RiverRats Re-Sign AIFA All-Star and Former Pitt DT Phil Tillman

Published on December 11, 2007 under American Indoor Football Association (AIFA)
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(Belle Vernon, PA) - The Pittsburgh RiverRats of the AIFA announced the re-signing of AIFA All-Star and former University of Pittsburgh defensive lineman Phil Tillman to a contract for the upcoming 2008 season.

Tillman (6'1"-315) joined the RiverRats during their sixth game of the season, and made an immediate positive impact on the Pittsburgh defense by dominating offensive linemen throughout the league. Eventually, teams were forced to double-team him, freeing up other RiverRats front-seven defenders to make plays. In just nine regular-season games, Tillman recorded 5 sacks despite the frequent double-teams, and led Pittsburgh with 6.5 tackles for losses.

Tillman played at the University of Pittsburgh from 2004-2005 after transferring from the Valley Forge Military Academy where he was a rare two-way starter, on both the offensive and defensive lines. In 2005 as a starter at defensive tackle, Tillman contributed 41 total tackles, 5 tackles for a loss, and 2 sacks, including one in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl against Utah.

During his two years at Valley Forge, Tillman compiled 72 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and two fumble recoveries. In 2003, he was the Seaboard Conference Co-Player of the Year and a first-team All-Seaboard Conference selection at both offensive and defensive tackle. Tillman was named first-team Baltimore Sun All-Metro during his senior year at Joppatowne High School (Edgewood, MD).

"Our defense changed for the better as soon as Phil Tillman joined us, and I am very excited that he decided to return this season. In addition to his great size, Phil has a non-stop motor, doesn't take plays off, and is one of the strongest players in our league. He also clearly received some great coaching at Pitt and VFMA, which has made our staff's job easier." commented RiverRats Head Coach Shawn Liotta.

Season and individual game tickets for the Pittsburgh RiverRats 2008 season are on sale exclusively at the team's website. For information on tickets and sponsorship opportunities with the Pittsburgh RiverRats for the upcoming 2008 season, please call (888) RIV-RATS. The RiverRats' home on the web is at www.pittsburghriverrats.com.

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