Texas Division I superstore produces talent
The new superstore for Division I talent runs its shop in the small, sleepy Class 2A east Texas town of Tatum.
Tatum High School has produced the likes of TCU safety Stephen Hodge and offensive lineman Clarence Leatch, Houston's Carson Blackmon and Isaiah Thompson, and Tennessee's incoming freshmen Lennon Creer and Denarius Moore over the past three seasons. No wonder they are going for their third consecutive Class 2A state championship.
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"We've been blessed with some talent," Tatum coach Andy Evans said.
The Class of 2008 isn't bad either. Linebacker Bryce Beall favors the likes of Boise State, Missouri and Kansas, and receiver Chance Blackmon has several Big 12 and Conference USA offers.
"I'd argue that Beall is the best player in Class 2A football right now," he said. "Blackmon has really showed out in our scrimmages. He will be a big-time receiver at the Division I level."
Stirring the drink for Tatum over the past two championship seasons is 5-foot-11 quarterback Cashas Pollard, who has started the team's last 30 games.
"Cashas is the greatest leader that I've coached," Evans said. "He's that special of a kid. He'll be a defensive back or inside receiver in college."
Pollard recently verbally committed to the University of Houston, where he wanted to join his first cousin Carson Blackmon.
"He had some offers but when Houston offered, he jumped on it," Evans said. "He's wanted to go there for some time."
Pollard also stars for Tatum's basketball team and was a member of the state champion Class 2A track team.
"He reached state in the high hurdles," Evans said. "That's how athletic he is."