Coming in at a lean 6'3 185 is INF Madden Tatum (Valley View), brings a top tier bat to the mix as well as talented arm. Has a smooth and simple left-handed swing that one can admire with the ability to reach high exit velocities consistently, topping at 103.5 MPH. In the field he showcases some solid glove work with a strong arm topping at 92 MPH across the infield and 93 off the mound. Tatum is a top athlete to be on the lookout for to have a solid upcoming season.

We recently had the chance to talk to Tatum about his recruitment process along with some other fun topics, below.

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Our Q&A

Prep Baseball: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Madden: Going into the process I knew I wanted to find a school that would allow me to pitch and hit. I also wanted to find a school that had great facilities and coaches to help me excel to the best player that I can be.

PB: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision?

M: I love the idea of Jacksonville being a small town that puts a lot into their college. Being down there on multiple visits shows me how their culture is so strong, and how everyone is pulling for each other. The main key factor in my decision was making sure I felt comfortable wherever I was going, and Jax State did the best job at that. They made me feel at home with how often they reached out and there option for me to two-way.

PB: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

M: I would tell them to never get caught up in the stats or comparing themselves to other players. Often times I would do that and never feel satisfied. I would tell them every player is a different process and to put their head down and work. 

PB: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

M: Yes, location played a factor. I wanted to be about 7 hours or less from home. 

PB: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Where did the school you committed to first see you play?

M: August 1st was a big day, with a good amount of phone calls and text. Jax State had seen me play at future games.

PB: Was there a particular Prep Baseball tournament or showcase that helped accelerate your recruiting process? If yes, how so?

M: Yes, being able to go to future games put me in front of so many scouts. With so many different eyes on me and ability showcase what I had definitely was a huge boost in the recruiting process.

PB: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

M: Arkansas State, Memphis, UAB, and Jax State.

PB: Who is the best player you have faced in your state? What about them makes for a tough opponent?

M: Definitely Ty Burnham. His velocity and ability to throw his curveball for a strike in any count makes him a tough pitcher to hit.

PB: If you could steal any tool or quality from another player in the state, what would it be and who would it be from?

M: Owen Roach's hit tool. 

PB: Who is the next talented young player to keep an eye on out of your high school or travel program?

M: Brody Freeman. He has a smooth lefty swing with great speed as well. 

PB: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college-caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

M: At the end of my freshman season at a PBR event I was up to 87.5 on the mound and knew if I continued to work hard I would be able to maybe pitch in college.

PB: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

M: All of the bus rides to and from games with my highschool team.

PB: Preview your high school team's season for us. How do you feel your team will be?

M: I feel we will be a great team with lots of depth in every position. We have a great culture that puts team first and are built to make a run for the championship. 

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