Rookie Profile: What Tatum Bethune Brings to the 49ers

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With the 49ers heading into their bye week, it’s the perfect time to introduce you to the newest players in red and gold. Over the next seven days, I’ll be diving into a series of player profiles, starting with our 7th round pick and working our way up to our top selection. Each day, I’ll be spotlighting a different rookie, sharing their backstory, journey to the NFL and what they bring to the field. This series aims to give fans a closer look at the fresh faces in the locker room, making the future of the 49ers more personal and exciting. Whether you are curious Tatum BethuneHis college days or eager to see what makes our top picks, I find you. Let’s make this bye week exciting and meet the next generation of 49ers talent!

Florida native Tatum Bethune attended Miami Central Senior High School, where he was rated as a three-star recruit. He committed to play for the UCF Knights and spent two seasons with the program before entering the transfer window after the 2022 season (Florida State Seminoles, n.d.). He then played the next two seasons for the Florida State Seminoles (Florida State Seminoles, nd). During his high school days at Miami Central, he posted impressive stats, including 80 tackles his senior year, making him one of the top defensive prospects in Florida (Florida State Seminoles, n.d.). His ability to anticipate matchups and disrupt offenses laid the foundation for his collegiate success (UCF Athletics, n.d.). Bethune’s strengths include athleticism and tackling ability, which he showcased at UCF and Florida State, where he consistently demonstrated solid tackling and quick decision-making in the open field (ESPN, 2024).

At the NFL Scouting Combine, he impressed scouts with his explosiveness, especially in agility and tackling drills (NFL.com, 2024). As a seventh-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Bethune is known for his high-impact defensive skills and instinctive play. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 230 pounds, he brings a powerful physical presence to the court. Although he hasn’t seen much playing time this season, his role as a depth player is valuable, especially in defensive schemes that benefit from versatile and speedy linebackers who can adapt to various formations and assignments (NFL.com, 2024 ).

A unique link in Bethune’s journey is his relationship with Renardo Greenanother 49ers pick and former teammate at Florida State. Bethune appreciates the camaraderie they share as they both adjust to the NFL. He admires Dr. Greenlawhis style of play and sees similarities in their games, particularly the aggressive approach and instinctive play, qualities that align well with the 49ers’ linebacker room (Bethune, 2024, Tatum Bethune: Interview, YouTube).

Off the court, Bethune comes from a family that has always supported his athletic ambitions. He is known among teammates and fans as a dedicated and humble player, making him someone 49ers fans can rally around (Florida State Seminoles, n.d.). Beyond football, Tatum has been involved in various community service initiatives, reflecting his commitment to giving back. He earned the UCF Athletic Director’s Honor Roll during his time at UCF, showing his dedication to balancing academics with athletics (UCF Athletics, n.d.). His grit and relentless play earned him a strong reputation, demonstrating his will to succeed despite being a late pick. With a robust family support system and community values, there is much to admire about Tatum Bethune as he begins his NFL career (Florida State Seminoles, n.d.).

Stay faithful.