BOGUE CHITTO – Bobcat senior Fred Tillman has played a lot ofpositions on defense for head coach Garreth Sartin.

This year, Tillman (6-2, 265) alternates at nose guard, end andlinebacker for the Bobcats. Last Friday night, he recorded 14tackles and a quarterback sack to help Bogue Chitto in a 40-29Region 4-1A win over the Pisgah Dragons.

For his accomplishments, Tillman has been named The DAILYLEADER’s Defensive Player of the Week.

“It feels very good,” said Tillman of the Player of the Weekhonor. In the weight room, he squats 465 pounds and dead lifts455.

Tillman runs a 4.9 in the 40-yard dash.

“Fred is just a tough, hard-nosed football player,” said CoachSartin. “He’ll play anywhere we ask him: nose guard, linebacker,defensive end.

“Fred is a great kid. He’s always at practice and nevercomplains. He’s been starting since he was a ninth grader.”

On offense, Tillman said he switches between left and righttackle, depending on what the offense is doing.

On defense, joining Tillman in the 3-man front are Luther Wattsat noseguard and Shane Lewis at tackle. The linebackers includeByron Kersee and Rico Wells at outside, and Kevin Brothern atmiddle.

“I call the line to shift to left or right,” explained Tillmanof his duties. “My basic responsibility is to stop the run.”

Tillman said the Bobcat defense played well against the run butwas a little weak against the pass.

“Tillman loves to hit,” added Sartin. “He anchors our offensiveline, too.”

When asked about his 14 tackles and sack against Pisgah, “It wasgood,” said Tillman. “I was satisfied with it.”

The Bobcats snapped a 2-game losing streak against Pisgah. Theyare 6-2 overall and in the region race.

Tillman takes his time in the weight room seriously. “It is veryimportant. I work a lot on my upper body strength. But the legs arethe most important part in weightlifting.”

Tillman wants to play football on the college level, probably atthe junior college level. He wants to major in nursing andsecondary education.

“I’d like to thank God, my parents, my teammates and mycoaches,” added Tillman, sharing his accomplishments on thegridiron.

Tillman was selected Mr. Bogue Chitto for homecoming this weekwhen the Bobcats host Mt. Hermon, La.

He said he enjoys watching the Dallas Cowboys on television. Hisfavorite NFL player is D’Brickshaw Ferguson of the New YorkJets.