A native of Rosebud, Texas, Tomlinson showed athletic promise while attending University High School in Waco. He was recruited by Texas Christian University (TCU). As a junior, Tomlinson rushed for 406 yards in a single game, a Division I record at the time. As a senior, he earned unanimous All-America honors, and won the Doak Walker Award as the best college running back. TCU retired his 5 in 2005, and he was inducted to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2014.
