Tiller focused on speed

Making plays on both sides of the ball is nothing new for Clinch County (Ga.) junior safety/receiver Fred Tiller. Last fall the 6-foot and 175-pound Tiller had 31 catches for 736 yards and nine scores, and then totaled 65 tackles and five interceptions.

This spring Tiller is again working on his dual duties and it's all about making plays for his team.

"I am playing receiver and safety again and spring is going pretty good," said Tiller. "I am really working on my speed in spring ball and that's been my top focus. My position doesn't matter to me and I play wherever I can help the team. I like hitting and grabbing picks at safety and at receiver I like catching, blocking and scoring. And I really enjoy blocking."

And thus far, college programs enjoy what they've seen from Tiller. He owns offers from Mississippi State, Nebraska, Kansas, Marshall and Florida Atlantic while also drawing interest from South Carolona.

So far he's been able to unofficially visit a few schools and has summer plans to take in a few camps.

"I was able to visit Georgia Tech, Florida and Florida State and I liked all of those trips," noted Tiller. "I am supposed to go to South Carolina this summer and I may go to a Florida camp. I haven't checked out Mississippi State either and I want to see them, too, this summer."

Of the schools recruiting him, Tiller said that a pair of BCS programs have jumped to the forefront.

"Mississippi State and Kansas are my leaders," said Tiller. "Coach John Hevesy is my recruiting coach from Mississippi State. He is a good coach and I like him. I like Mississippi State, too, because they were the first to offer me and I think I have a good chance to start there early and I love the direction the program is going. And I like Kansas because they offered one of my good friends."

For now, Tiller said he is just being patient in his recruitment and doesn't plan to make an early decision. But he is aware of the factors that will eventually determine his college choice.

"I am just taking my time and I am in no rush," said Tiller. "I am just seeing if I really fit at one of these schools. I want to find the best atmosphere at a school with the coaches, players and the people at that school. Education is also a big factor, too, and I am looking to major in ecology."