All Time Buckeye Greats: Through The Woody Hayes Era

Jack Tatum was one of the best defensive backs ever to play at Ohio State. He had the ability to cover the best wide receiver on the opposing team, and was one of the hardest hitting defensive backs ever to play the game.

As a sophomore in 1968 Tatum made an impact early in the season. He helped slow down  Purdue’s All-American Leroy Keyes, and the Buckeyes upset the favored Boilermakers 13-0. And while Tatum was a vital player in the defensive backfield, he would occasionally be used at linebacker as well because of his tackling ability. After the season Tatum was voted to the All Big Ten First Team.

In his final two seasons Tatum was named first team All-American, and in 1970 was selected The National Defensive Player of the Year. He was also among the finalists for the Heisman Trophy award that year as well.

Jack Tatum is a member of The Ohio State Varsity O Hall of Fame, The College Football Hall of Fame, and was selected as a Captain on the Ohio State Football All-Century Team. And in 2001 coach Jim Tressel instituted the “Jack Tatum Hit of the Week Award”, given to the defensive player with the biggest hit during the game.

Tatum had a successful 10 year career in the NFL. In his first professional game he let everyone know what to expect from there on out. He knocked out two Baltimore Colt tight ends, and one of them was Hall of Famer John Mackey.

Jack Tatum made three pro bowls, and was a member of the 1977 Super Bowl Champion Oakland Raiders. He had 37 interceptions for his career and set an NFL record with a 104 yard fumble recovery for a touchdown.  

And his nickname was “The Assassin”.

Next: Rex Kern 1968-70