Alex Tillman

Alex Tillman
No. 28
Tillman at North Dakota in 2014
Born: (1991-05-29) May 29, 1991 (age 33)
Houston, Texas, U.S.
Career information
CFL statusAmerican
Position(s)DB
Height5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
Weight190 lb (86 kg)
CollegeNorth Dakota
High schoolCloverleaf (TX) North Shore Senior
Career history
As player
2015BC Lions
Career stats
Return yards120
Tackles2

Alex Tillman (born May 29, 1991) is an American former professional football defensive back and punt returner who played for the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He attended the University of North Dakota and the University of Houston.

Early life

Tillman attended North Shore Senior High School, where he played high school football as a quarterback. He earned three district championships at North Shore, and was named the Offensive and Team MVP during his senior year with over 2,000 passing yards and 500 rushing yards.[1]

College career

Tillman first played college football for the Houston Cougars. After redshirting in 2010, he played in 26 games on defense and the special teams from 2011 to 2013.[2] Prior to the 2014 season, Tillman transferred to the University of North Dakota to complete his final year of eligibility.[1] He recorded 31 solo tackles and a 92-yard interception for a touchdown in his final season, playing as a cornerback.[3] He also returned 14 punts for 237 yards, including a school record 95-yard punt return for a touchdown.[3][4] Tillman was designated an all-conference punt returner in the Big Sky Conference and received an honorable mention as a cornerback.[5]

Professional career

On May 27, 2015, Tillman was signed by the BC Lions as a free agent.[5] He was among several potential candidates to replace Tim Brown as the team's kickoff returner during the preseason, and was also looked at as a potential punt returner.[6][7] After making the active roster, Tillman made his CFL debut on July 4 against the Ottawa Redblacks, recording a tackle and returning three punts for 22 yards.[8]

References

  1. ^ a b "Tillman set to play football at UND in 2014". University of North Dakota Athletics. May 5, 2014. Retrieved July 6, 2015.
  2. ^ "Alex Tillman". Houston Cougars. Retrieved July 6, 2015.
  3. ^ a b "Alex Tillman". BC Lions. Archived from the original on July 6, 2015. Retrieved July 6, 2015.
  4. ^ "Alex Tillman's 95-yard punt return TD caps North Dakota's 24-16 comeback over Portland State". Fox News. Associated Press. October 11, 2014. Retrieved July 6, 2015.
  5. ^ a b "Former North Dakota standout Tillman signs with CFL team". USA Today. Associated Press. May 28, 2015. Retrieved July 6, 2015.
  6. ^ Ullrich, Lowell (June 17, 2015). "It's not so easy for the Lions to replace Tim Brown". The Province. Retrieved July 6, 2015.
  7. ^ Ullrich, Lowell (June 20, 2015). "Ullrich: Lulay made it through to the regular season safely". The Province. Retrieved July 6, 2015.
  8. ^ "BC Lions vs Ottawa Redblacks (July 4, 2015)". CFL. Archived from the original on July 6, 2015. Retrieved July 6, 2015.