Blue Chip Chat
Central Catholic I RB
The PG continues to spotlight area football players. Today: Eddy Tillman.
( Ninth in a series on top high school football players in the area.)
THE SCOOP
If you’re looking for a favorite to lead the WPIAL in rushing this season, look no further than Tillman, the district’s top returning rusher. Tillman was fantastic as a junior, running for 2,160 yards — third most in the WPIAL — and 27 touchdowns. He averaged 7.9 yards per carry. Tillman is another in a long line of small, speedy running backs at Central Catholic, a group that includes Eugene Jarvis, Damion Jones- Moore and J. J. Younger. Tillman lives in Wilkinsburg. He attended Westinghouse his freshman year, but did not play football.
COLLEGE TALK
Some Ivy League and Mid- American Conference schools are showing interest in Tillman, an excellent student who carries a 3.7 GPA. He currently holds six offers from Division II Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference schools.
OUR QUESTIONS, HIS ANSWERS
Central Catholic is doing hybrid classes, part online and part in- person. Which do you prefer?
I like in- person. You get to engage with teachers more than doing it online. Are you the fastest player on the team? I like to think game speed I’m the fastest.
But on the track, it’s Brandon Jackson.
How big of a goal is winning a state championship?
That’s the biggest goal. We came close last year ( lost in the PIAA Class 6A semifinals). We just want to improve.
Any personal goals this season?
Hopefully to get a full- ride offer. And last year I was in the top three in rushing. If I could do that again, that would be cool.
Team not on your schedule that you wish you could play?
PineRichland. Last year, the first time we played them I had a decent game, but in the championship they did well. They had a good scheme.
One of your teammates, Elliot Donald, decided not to play
this season because of COVID- 19 concerns. Were you surprised? Not really. Elliot and I talked privately. He let me know it was because of family, so I respect his decision.
You’re in the mood for fast food. Where are you going and what are you getting? Chick- fil- A. I’d get a No. 2. The spicy chicken combo with a strawberry lemonade. Who would you want to play you in a movie?
I would say Kevin Hart. Me and him are very energetic. You sound like him a little, too.
( Laughs) Yeah, people tell me that.
If you were auditioning for “The Voice,” what song would you sing?
I’d have to say a Drake song. I just don’t know which one.
Any singers on the team?
JD Younger. He likes Chief Keef. Any of his songs.
Central Catholic is playing home homes at Graham Field in Wilkinsburg. What will that be like?
It’s exciting. That’s where I started, Wilkinsburg. It was just a grass field back then.