Cedric Tillman Scouting Report

Background

NAME: Cedric Tillman

POSITION: WR

SCHOOL: Tennessee

HEIGHT: 6’3 3/8″

WEIGHT: 213

CLASS: 5SR

HOMETOWN: Las Vegas, NV

HIGH SCHOOL: Bishop Gorman

DOB: 4/19/2000

GAMES WATCHED: Alabama (2021), Georgia (2021), Ball State, Pitt, Kentucky, Georgia

Biography

Three-star recruit and a top 10 player in Nevada as a high schooler. Attended national prep powerhouse Bishop Gorman High School where he helped lead the team to back-to-back state titles in 2016 and 2017. Committed to the University of Tennessee and (former) coach Jeremy Pruitt in February of 2018. His father, Cedric Cornell Tillman, was drafted in the 11th round of the 1992 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. Brother played football at Navy. Three-time member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll. Graduated from Tennessee in 2021. Limited to 6 games as a 5th year senior due to an ankle injury that required surgery,

Career Stats

2018 (1 game): 1 reception for -3 yards.
2019 (3 games): 4 receptions for 60 yards and 1 TD.
2020 (2 games): 3 receptions for 67 yards and 1 TD.
2021 (12 games): 64 receptions for 1081 yards and 12 TDs.
2022 (6 games): 37 receptions for 417 yards and 3 TDs.

Trait Grades

Route Running: 50 (Average)
Separation: 55 (Above Average)
Ball Skills: 60 (Above Average)
Downfield Ability: 60 (Above Average)
Run After Catch: 50 (Average)
Contested Catch: 60 (Above Average)
Versatility: 50 (Average)
Release: 60 (Above Average)
Frame: 70 (Star)
Blocking: 55 (Above Average)

Analysis

Cedric Tillman has a valuable trait that’s hard to find in the 2023 wide receiver class: size. He’s all of 6’3″ and is one of the few prospects who has the build of a natural “X” receiver. His strong ball skills and high-level body control help him take advantage of his long frame. Does a fantastic job of attacking the football in the air, making him a very quarterback-friendly receiver. Lacks elite speed and short-area quickness. He’s a long strider, who has shown that he’s fast enough to threaten downfield once he opens up. Had several drops in contested catch situations, but catching the ball isn’t an issue. Does a nice job catching passes away from his frame with strong hands. Ran a limited route tree in Josh Heupel’s spread offense at Tennessee, and was at his best running hitches and comebacks while working back toward the football. Stacks receivers well when working vertically. Has shown good coordination with the football in the air. Has been inches away from making spectacular highlight reel catches on several occasions. Despite those misses, concentration and body control are displayed. Tillman lacks the explosiveness to become a primary option in a passing game, but he’s plenty of ability and the physical build to project as a staring outside receiver for a NFL team.