Name: Roman Tatum
School: Southern Illinois
Position: Cornerback
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 178
Q: What were some of your goals heading into your final collegiate season?
Some of my goals heading into my senior year were to lead my team to the playoffs, considering we haven’t been to the playoffs since 2009. Make an All-Conference, All-American team. Stay healthy and not to give up any touchdowns.
Q: If you could describe your style of play in 3 words, what would they be?
Competitive, Confident, Smart.
Q: How will you train and prepare this offseason for the draft or other pro opportunities?
I will be training at Healthy Hearts Fitness with Clint Hart, former NFL player in Florida. However, I will do the majority of my training at my school, because I am finishing up my degree. I graduate May 12th.
Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on or look for?
When I’m studying film, I like to break it down, I’ll start by watching a few games just to get a feel for the offense coordinator and his flow during the game. Then, I’ll breakdown formations, looking for formation tendencies, picking up on team’s favorite formation by down and distance. Then, I’ll go through and breakdown player tendencies, mainly WRs. Finding their strengths and weaknesses, seeing how they react verse press and off man. Seeing how their stance changes from pass to run and how they play when the ball isn’t coming their way.
Q: What separates you from the other players at your position?
The thing I feel that separates me from other players at my position is I LOVE to compete, I want to cover whomever the #1 WR is and I look to eliminate him from the game. I am a Corner that likes to make plays on the run, I’m not afraid to get physical with backs or Offensive Lineman. I am a technical/fundamental Corner, so I understand being disciplined in my technique and just doing my job.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
Strengths that I bring on the field is my love to compete and the energy that I bring, whether it’s practice or in a game, it’s contagious. I’m the guy that’s going to get everybody going, ready to compete, and have fun. Off the field, I tend to do a lot in the community on my spare time, at the church or volunteering at schools. So just being a great teammate and a great person.
Q: What is your final pitch or sell to NFL and other pro league scouts?
Any team that takes a chance on me, I will be very thankful and will come in ready to work. I come from nothing, so anything I gain is a blessing. Just know I love this game and I love to compete.