Cedric Tillman explains his approach to defenses potentially giving him more attention in 2022

Tennessee wide receiver Cedric Tillman burst onto the scene last year during his redshirt junior year, putting his name all over the Volunteer record books and earning plenty of national and conference pre-season awards and watch list nominations. Now that the nation knows his name, he was asked if he expects some extra attention from defenses this upcoming season.

“Yeah that’s what I keep hearing, me personally I don’t really know, I really don’t play the defensive side of the ball. But whatever teams throw at me, I believe in my preparation more. They say the best receivers always get double-teamed, always get the attention, so it’s just one of those things that come with it. So whatever happens happens, I’m going to play my game and do the best to help the team win,” Tillman said.

Tillman torched defenses last season, ending the year with 64 catches for 1,081 yards and 12 touchdowns, and he only got better as the season went on. He went on a tear to finish the season, ending the last five games with 100 receiving yards and the last seven with at least one touchdown, capped off by a Music City Bowl record-breaking performance where he had seven catches for 150 yards and three touchdowns.

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If Tillman plans on starting this season the same way he ended last season, then defenses will surely want to send some extra defenders in his direction. Tillman also detailed what he worked on this offseason and how he plans to maintain his elite play this year despite defensive coordinators being keyed in on him.

“Just really releases, knowing more. Having to read defenses better because I know I’ll probably get more safety help over the top now than opposed to last year. So that’s why route running has to be a better thing for me because now like you said, obviously I know there’ll be more attention. So just having to be more crisp and execute better,” Tillman said.

Tillman is a 6-foot-3, 215-pound target out wide known for making big plays and contested catches, and if his route running and knowledge of the game increased this offseason, he’ll have the potential to make an even bigger impact in Tennesee’s fast-paced offense this season. Tillman’s father, Cedric Tillman Sr., was a standout receiver at Alcorn State in college and played four years in the NFL, a path that his son may be on if he has another breakout season. But for now, Tillman is focused on their week one matchup Thursday, September 1 against Ball State.