Jack Tatum: The Legacy of a College Football Icon

Jack Tatum, a name synonymous with hard-hitting defensive play, rose to prominence in the world of college football at The Ohio State University. His time at OSU was marked by dominance, not just in terms of his physical play but also in how he revolutionized the defensive back position. While his time in the NFL further solidified his reputation as one of the hardest hitters to ever play the game, it was his college career that laid the foundation for his future success. Tatum’s journey from a running back to one of the most feared defensive backs in college football history is a testament to his adaptability, discipline, and unrelenting drive.

Early Life and Arrival at Ohio State

Jack Tatum was born on November 18, 1948, in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Growing up in a sports-oriented household, Tatum quickly became drawn to football. His athleticism and natural talent made him stand out at a young age, and by the time he was in high school, he was a star running back. However, Tatum’s path to greatness in college football would not follow the traditional trajectory.

As a high school standout, Tatum was recruited by numerous colleges, but it was Ohio State that would ultimately land the gifted athlete. The Buckeyes were coming off a successful 1967 season, and under the leadership of head coach Woody Hayes, they were poised to dominate the Big Ten for years to come. Hayes recognized the potential of Tatum as a versatile athlete, but it was not immediately clear where he would fit into the team. Tatum entered OSU as a running back, a position that suited his speed and power. However, it didn’t take long for coaches to realize that Tatum’s unique abilities might be better suited for the defensive side of the ball.

Position Change: A Defining Moment

The turning point in Tatum’s career came early in his time at Ohio State. After a few practices, OSU coach Bill Mallory had a vision for how Tatum could maximize his talents. While Tatum had excelled as a running back in high school, Mallory believed his instincts, speed, and hard-hitting style would translate better to the defensive side. Mallory made the bold decision to switch Tatum’s position, moving him from running back to defensive back. This decision would prove to be a stroke of genius, as Tatum’s play on defense would soon make him one of the most feared players in college football.

The transition to defensive back was not easy, but Tatum’s athleticism and football IQ allowed him to quickly adapt. He was a natural fit for the defensive backfield, with a unique combination of speed, agility, and an uncanny ability to read the game. His relentless nature and physicality on the field began to show immediately, and Tatum quickly made a name for himself as one of the toughest and most dominant defensive players in college football.

Ohio State’s National Championship Run

The 1968 season marked the beginning of Tatum’s legendary college football career. The Buckeyes were poised for greatness, and Tatum’s presence on the field only strengthened their chances for a national title. Ohio State, with Tatum as a key component of their defense, played an aggressive, hard-nosed style of football that was difficult for opponents to overcome.

Ohio State’s defense, led by Tatum and his fellow defensive backs, became a shutdown unit, helping to propel the team to a national championship. Tatum’s ability to blanket opposing receivers and his fearsome tackling ensured that few players could break through the Buckeye defense. As part of a defensive unit that allowed just 85 points all season, Tatum played an instrumental role in one of the most dominant college football teams in history.

The 1968 Buckeyes were led offensively by future Hall of Famer Jim Stillwagon and were balanced by a powerful running game, making them one of the most complete teams of the era. However, it was Tatum’s defense that ultimately helped Ohio State secure the 1968 National Championship, which further elevated his status as one of the top defensive players in the country.

Becoming a Two-Time All-American

As Tatum’s college career progressed, so too did his reputation. He became a fixture on the All-Big Ten team, earning recognition for his standout performances on the defensive side of the ball. But it was his performances on the national stage that solidified his place in college football lore.

In 1969 and 1970, Tatum earned two All-American honors, a testament to his exceptional talent and relentless approach to the game. As a defensive back, he was a versatile player who could excel in coverage, tackle in the open field, and even disrupt the passing game with interceptions. His hard-hitting, physical style of play was emblematic of the aggressive, no-holds-barred attitude that characterized the Ohio State defense under Woody Hayes.

In addition to his two All-American selections, Tatum was also named the National Defensive Player of the Year in 1970, a recognition that cemented his place as one of the top defensive players in college football history. He was a game-changer, someone who could alter the course of a game with a single play. Whether it was a crushing hit that sent shockwaves through the stadium or a timely interception, Tatum’s impact was always felt on the field.

The Intensity of Tatum’s Game

What set Jack Tatum apart from other defensive players was not just his athleticism or physicality, but his sheer intensity. Tatum was known for his unyielding attitude on the field, which often struck fear into the hearts of opposing players. His reputation as a heavy hitter preceded him, and many players were hesitant to go across the middle or venture into his area of the field.

Tatum’s intensity was not just about brute force, though. He was a highly intelligent player who could read the game, anticipate plays, and position himself to make crucial stops. His football IQ, combined with his physical gifts, made him a complete defensive player who could dominate in virtually any situation. Whether it was locking down a receiver in man-to-man coverage or laying a punishing hit on a running back, Tatum’s presence was felt on every play.

His ability to intimidate opponents was often seen as a psychological advantage. It was not just about the physical hits or tackles; it was about wearing down the opponent mentally. Tatum’s aggressive style often took the air out of the opposing team, as players were constantly aware of where he was on the field and what he might do next. This mental edge, combined with his on-field success, made Tatum one of the most feared players in college football history.

Big Ten Championships and Continued Dominance

Tatum’s dominance on the field helped Ohio State continue its reign of dominance in the Big Ten Conference. The Buckeyes won back-to-back Big Ten titles in 1968 and 1969, with Tatum as one of the key players in both seasons. His leadership and physical play were integral to the success of the team, and his performances on the field earned him a spot in the College Football Hall of Fame.

Throughout his time at Ohio State, Tatum’s performances in high-pressure games were legendary. He played a major role in Ohio State’s victory over Michigan in 1968, a win that helped propel the team to the national championship. His interception against the Wolverines in that game was a pivotal moment, and it showcased his ability to make big plays in clutch situations.

Despite his hard-hitting and often intimidating play, Tatum was a leader on the field, earning the respect of his teammates and coaches. His relentless work ethic, combined with his natural talent, made him one of the most respected players in the country. Whether he was leading by example with his punishing hits or through his vocal leadership, Tatum was a force to be reckoned with.

The College Football Hall of Fame

Tatum’s impact on college football cannot be overstated. After his departure from Ohio State, he went on to a successful career in the NFL with the Oakland Raiders, where he further solidified his reputation as one of the hardest-hitting players in the game. But it was his college career that laid the foundation for everything that followed. Tatum’s time at Ohio State was nothing short of legendary, and his achievements were eventually recognized by the College Football Hall of Fame.

In 2004, Tatum was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, an honor that recognized his immense contributions to the sport. His induction was a fitting tribute to a player who had changed the way defensive backs were viewed in college football. Tatum’s legacy as a hard-hitting, dynamic player who dominated the college game continues to resonate to this day, as he remains one of the most celebrated figures in the history of Ohio State football.

Conclusion

Jack Tatum’s legacy is one of dominance, intensity, and transformation. His time at Ohio State marked a turning point in college football, as he helped redefine the role of a defensive back. His contributions to Ohio State’s national championships and Big Ten titles, along with his individual accolades as a two-time All-American and National Defensive Player of the Year, solidified his place as one of the greatest college football players of all time.

Tatum’s career at Ohio State remains a model for what it means to be a complete, versatile player. His combination of intelligence, athleticism, and intensity set him apart from his peers and made him one of the most feared defenders in college football. Through his hard work and unrelenting drive, Tatum achieved greatness both on and off the field, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire future generations of football players.