In any sport, a technician is a person who puts a lot of emphasis on technique and perfecting the little things that some players might tend to overlook.
The NBA was home to one of the greatest technicians of all time in future Hall of Famer and former MVP Tim Duncan.

The Hazlehurst Indians, who are already brimming with talent, have the next great technician on their team in the form of senior defensive lineman DaQuan Tillman.
Like Duncan, Tillman is one of those players who stresses working on the smallest facets of what it takes to succeed at his position. Last year, the emphasis he put on his mechanics paid off to the tune of 23 sacks and 80 total tackles.

“DaQuan is just a technician,” Hazlehurst head coach Todd McDaniel said. “He’s very coachable. He sucks in everything you say like a sponge.”

Tillman said his most memorable play from 2015 came in a clutch situation against district opponent Jefferson County.

“It was rd down and 5 and I think the game might have still been close at the time,” he said.
“As soon as the ball was snapped I hit the offensive lineman with a spin move. The quarterback started running out of the pocket and I ran him down and sacked him.”

A look at Tillman’s highlight reel shows several instances of the same relentless pursuit.
Time and again, he can be seen running down a ball carrier.  Time and again he appears to be virtually blocked and a non-factor on a play, only to shed his blocker and make a big play.

Tillman added that his hands and technique are what made him a threat to get to the quarterback at any time.

“I tell the guys all the time that a hurry is just as important as a sack and I think DaQuan understands that,” McDaniel said. “He gives it his all every play and he comes to play every practice and every Friday.”

Tillman said the key to success on the defensive line is using your hands.

“No matter where you are on the defensive line, if you use your hands well you can beat the offensive lineman,” he said.

It is because of that fact that Tillman said he admires former Ole Miss Rebel standout Robert Nkemdiche.

“I watched his film while he was in high school and he used his hands really well,” Tillman said. “If he gets his hands on you first the play is basically over. I also admire his versatility.”

In his high school days, Nkemdiche also played and running back and scored 17 touchdowns in addition to his primary position of defensive tackle.

The senior plays all along the defensive line for the Indians, but he said his favorite position  is defensive end.

“You get to get on the end and run the hump. You get to be physical and show how much technique you have,” Tillman said.

The defensive lineman added that playing alongside district MVP and All-State linebacker Tim Steward helps him elevate his game. He, Steward and linebacker Patrick Harris (114 tackles, 6 sacks) engage in friendly contests on the field during games.

“We are always in competition,” he said. “We have been playing together since peewee league and I really feel  that competition with them makes me better.”

As a senior, Tillman naturally said his primary goal in 2016 was to reach the state championship. He also said he wanted 26 sacks and more than 50 tackles for loss.
Those are gaudy numbers even for someone of Tillman’s stature, but he said he feels his hard work and maturity will give him the edge he needs to make it a possibility.

“I think I have gotten wiser and grown up a lot since last year.”
“This is our team now so I feel like I have to step up and I think I have so far,” he said.

Tillman also said he felt he needs to improve on some aspects of his game to achieve his goals.

“I want my motor to improve,” he said. “I know every player tends to have plays they take off, but I want to improve on running hard every play whether it is a run or a pass.”

Tillman’s coach believes he can achieve great things as long as he remains focused.

“The sky is the limit for a kid like that,” he said. “He just has to stay consistent and control the line of scrimmage. Once his frame fills out he will be a great college player for somebody.”

The Primetime 23 list is a compilation of the top 23 players in the area. The next member of the list will be revealed in Wednesday’s edition.