McCALL CREEK – As honors go, Marcus Tillman achieved one that isvery special to him this week by being named a member of 2005Parade Magazine High School All-America Football Team.Tillman, an All-State senior defensive end at Franklin County, wasone of 58 players across the nation to receive the honor.

“It’s a big honor being named that,” said a shocked Tillman fromhis Franklin County home. “It’s a dream come true being anAll-American. It’s like a surprise.”

The 6-foot-4, 250-pound Tillman was a defensive terror thisseason, compiling 54 tackles and a team leading six sacks from hisstrong-side defensive end position for the Franklin CountyBulldogs.

“We’re very excited for him,” said Franklin County head coachGrady McCluskey. “This is a great honor for him and his family. Alot of great players have been on this team throughout the years.He’s up there with the best in the nation.”

Tillman is the first player from Franklin County to receive suchan honor. He was named All-State in Class 3A this season and 2004,and was selected to the Sports Illustrated Preseason HighSchool All-American team in July.

“It feels good receiving these honors,” added Tillman. “I hopeto be a member of the Freshman All-American Team in College nextyear. That’s a new goal I have set.”

Over his three-year career at Franklin County, Tillman recordeda school-record 27 sacks. He led Class 3A in quarterback hitsduring the 2004 season with 16.

“It’s hard for a defensive end to get a bunch of numbers, statwise,” said Franklin County defensive coordinator Paul Purvis.”Marcus was double-teamed almost every play, but he was still ableto make plays this season. He had six sacks but there is no tellinghow many quarterback hurries he had.”

For the first time in his career, Tillman played both ways thisseason, starting at tight end and defensive end. He caught fivepasses for 182 yards and a touchdown as a tight end. He played somewide receiver and linebacker as well.

“I can only say good things about Marcus,” said long timeFranklin County assistant coach Tony Gibbs. “I remember when he wasin ninth grade and we had him line up against some of our seniors.He held his own. From that moment, I knew he was going to besomething special.

“Marcus is a very good kid and a real hard worker. If anybodydeserves this honor, it has to be him.”

Tillman committed to LSU back in May. He chose the FightingTigers over scholarship offers from Ole Miss, Mississippi State,Southern Miss, Florida, Tennessee, Alabama, and Texas A&M.

Despite his commitment to LSU, Tillman is still being heavilyrecruited by Ole Miss and Alabama. He has set up official campusvisits to Ole Miss and Alabama in the upcoming weeks. He plans totake a final visit to LSU on Jan. 28, just before National SigningDay on Feb. 1.

“He has a great opportunity ahead of him,” added McCluskey.Wherever he chooses to go to school, they will be getting a greatplayer with a huge upside.”