The Tatum Eagles, once a model of excellence in East Texas, has been floundering in mediocrity of late. In the last four years, Tatum is just 17-28, and the Eagles enter 2018 with their third head coach in four seasons.

On the bright side, new head coach Darren Hylander inherits a talented nucleus of players, and Tatum is moving down a classification where it's had its most success in recent years.

Tatum is ranked No. 5 in ETSN.fm's Preseason Class 3A Poll.

The Eagles bring back only nine starters from last year's 3-8 4A Division II bi-district finalist, but one of them in three-year staring quarterback OB Jones, who seems posed for a breakout senior campaign.

Joining Jones on offense will be running back Jachais Jenkins, whose speed is about as good as it gets in East Texas.

Defensively, Tatum will be led by linemen Wardell Glaspie and Tim Fagan, and defensive back Ja'Kobe Mitchell.

District 8-3A Division I will be tough. Tatum will be challenged by White Oak, Gladewater, Mineola, and White Oak, among others.

ETSN.fm Preseason Class 3A Poll

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