Tatum signs with N.C. Wesleyan

Published 5:28 pm Thursday, May 26, 2016

CHOCOWINITY — Graduation is around the corner, but the end of Donshae Tatum’s time at Southside won’t mark the end of his football career. The diverse lineman recently signed on to compete on the gridiron at North Carolina Wesleyan.

Being so close to becoming a Southside alumnus, Tatum found this to be an appropriate and exciting way to cap off his senior year.

“I’m very excited,” Tatum said as a smile consumed his face. “I’m ready to take the next step and be a college football player. … It’s cool, really cool. I’m just happy. That’s all I can say.”

Head football coach Jeff Carrow added, “I’m extremely proud. Anytime one of our players or an alum, in any sport, goes on to the next level. Especially this group of seniors, they had an awesome season and did a great job. It’s just icing on the cake to see someone go on to the next level.”

The recruiting process was not an easy one. Tatum said that narrowing down his choices was tough. Even so, he’s confident in his choice to play for N.C. Wesleyan, especially after meeting everyone.

“I met the coaching staff. They want to help the kids and that’s what I’m looking forward to,” Tatum said.

He added that, while he’s not sure exactly what position he will play, he knows that he will be on either the offensive or defensive line. Carrow thinks that Tatum’s versatility will take him far.

“He’s got a good chance to be an impact player on either side of the ball,” Carrow said. “He’s got the body type where he can go defensive tackle, offensive guard or tackle. It depends on what that school is looking for. He’s got the potential because he’s smart enough and strong enough. Whatever that coach needs him to do, he can do it.”

Tatum will join teammate Matt Baxter as both move on from being Seahawks to Battling Bishops. As an offensive lineman, Tatum played an instrumental role in opening up holes for Baxter and the rest of Southside’s ground attack.

The result was a trip to an eastern-regional championship game and one of Southside’s best football seasons in the last decade.

Tatum’s first priority isn’t on his success on the football field. He plans on studying criminal justice. He wants to take advantage of the opportunity to get a college education by making the bulk of his impact in the classroom.

“First I want to be a great student, and then an athlete,” he said.