LONGVIEW, Texas — It was a record-breaking Friday for Taylor Tatum as he set the new Longview touchdown record at 61 in his game against Forney. The record was previously 60, held by Kaden Meredith, who is now a running back for Air Force University. Tatum holds the junior touchdown record at 33.
Tatum is a dynamic running back known for his speed and selflessness.
"Whatever we ask him to do, he does it with no complaints," Assistant Coach Oscar Wilson said. "He just gets out and works whenever I ask him to do something, he's there, he's available and useable."
Wilson continuously spoke about Taylor's character, rather than just speaking on his athleticism. Both speak volumes and it can be seen by the way Taylor plays every Friday night. This form of selflessness can inspire the younger athletes to think more about the team, and not about individual accolades.
"Skills that are going to carry them throughout life because on a team there is no big 'I' and little 'U,'" Wilson said. "It's all about the team and whatever we need, here's there."
Taylor is committed to the University of Oklahoma, where he'll continue being a dual sport athlete -- playing baseball and football.
"Baseball was a big factor because I've been playing baseball for a long time so getting to play as long as I can, on a collegiate level in the SEC was definitely a huge thing I wanted to do," Taylor said. "And they're kind of close to home also."
Longview is known for producing collegiate break outs and NFL stars, generating over 45 professional players. Knowing that, it makes the Lobos record an even more impressive milestone to achieve.
Although Taylor's focus was not on the record, he's still enjoying how it feels to obtain it.
"It feels great. You look at the names on the list, great names. I got mentored by Kaden a little bit while he was here, so a bunch of great names, of NFL and college stars," he said.
Longview will be facing North Mesquite next and Taylor is continuously focusing on winning and improving every week.
"I feel good. I'm really not too worried about the record. I broke it. But a win is a win and we won last week," Taylor said. "I'm looking to come out of there with another win and keep going 1-0 every week."