Ouachita Christian 2024 ATH Tate Hamby Excited About Showcasing His Talents in the SEC at Vanderbilt

Ouachita Christian High School 2024 ATH Tate Hamby recently announced his commitment to Vanderbilt just a few short days ago and needless to say, he is excited about taking his talents not only to the Power Five level, but in the SEC.

“They have treated me like I was family the day I met the coaching staff and players and I love that, so that definitely played a big role in the decision.”

“I can’t wait to play in the SEC. Once you play all these good teams, you will make memories that will last forever.”

Ouachita Christian High School 2024 ATH and Vanderbilt commit Tate Hamby

Hamby is not only excited, but he is motivated to help turnaround Vanderbilt to make them consistently one of the top teams in the conference.

“The coaches took me behind the scenes of what they are tying to do to the program, and I loved the schemes, and the fact that they are kind of on the low end of theie conference so I want to be apart of the change.”

Ouachita Christian High School 2024 ATH and Vanderbilt commit Tate Hamby

The 6’1, 170 pound product from Monroe, Louisiana has been used to winning as he helped the OCS Eagles win a state championship in 2022. Under Coach Fitzhugh, the program has won six state championships, but for Hamby and the rest of the Eagles, the 2022 state championship was especially satisfying after losing the previous two state championship games.

“It was amazing, we worked our butts off that year because we wanted to win a ring and were tired of coming in 2nd. I feel like Coach Fitzhugh and the staff have such a good routine every year that puts us in the best shape to make a run every year.”

Ouachita Christian High School 2024 ATH and Vanderbilt commit Tate Hamby

The versatile athlete has done something that is really rare now a days en route to the Eagles’ state championship as he had 61 receptions for 910 yards 10 touchdowns on offense, 127 tackles and 9 INTs on defense, and on special teams, he had five punt and kickoff return touchdowns along with 855 yards. Having the versatility to make an impact in all three phases of the game will make him a valuable asset for the Commodores.

Ouachita Christian 2024 ATH and Vanderbilt commit Tate Hamby has made 1st Team 1st All-State, 1st team All Area, 1st Team All Parish, & 1st team All District over his prep career. (Photo taken by Billy Metcalf)

For Vanderbilt, Hamby is getting recruited to play safety, but he is going to do whatever it takes to help the Commodores succeed on the field. His background as a track and field standout also made a difference in why Vanderbilt wanted the OCS athlete’s services.

“Track helps a lot with being a football player, gets me faster, and also keeps me in shape.”

Ouachita Christian High School 2024 ATH and Vanderbilt commit Tate Hamby

Now that the three star prospect has made his college decision, he can now focus on capping off his OCS prep career with a second straight state championship title.

“I did it so I wouldn’t have to worry about it, and I could focus on my senior season and compete to try and win another ring with my teammates one last time.”

Ouachita Christian High School 2024 ATH and Vanderbilt commit Tate Hamby

This season, Tate Hamby is working on his aggressiveness and being a leader this offseason. Along with his versatility and athleticism, the OCS state champion is looking to bring the winning mindset to the SEC at Vanderbilt.

“I’m going to give it my all and do whatever it takes to win the SEC.”

Ouachita Christian High School 2024 ATH and Vanderbilt commit Tate Hamby