All 32 NFL teams were represented at Notre Dame Pro Day yesterday with interior defensive lineman Jerry Tillery not able to physically participate in drills as he continued his recovery from surgery to repair the torn labrum he suffered early this season.
Once Notre Dame Pro Day activities were completed, Tillery met with the media where he made it clear that he’s “feeling amazing” two weeks after the procedure, and that his shoulder status is currently “outstanding.” During the week heading into the NFL Scouting Combine it was revealed that Tillery suffered the tear back in September, in a home win over Stanford.
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He played the final eight games of the season, and participated in the combine despite the injury. Having underwent surgery after the combine, he appeared with his arm in a sling as he spoke with the media at the Loftus Sports Center. He was asked if it was difficult being judged by outsiders unaware of the injury, and how the pain was affecting his play.
“I don’t stand in judgment of what people think of me that’s never been something that I’ve occupied myself with,” the 6-7, 305 senior responded, “and it was a little uncomfortable, but I love this team, I love Notre Dame, so it was something I decided to do.”
Tillery did confirm that at one point it was suggested to him that he sit out and heal, but that was also not something he had any interest in doing.
When asked if the labrum tear, and subsequent surgery, is impacting how teams are evaluating him, he responded: “it’s not an issue.”
His size and length has scouts very very interested, and he spent his final season in South Bend working on becoming more disruptive and explosive. Mission Accomplished.
Former Notre Dame and current Pittsburgh Steelers DT Stephon Tuitt has been a common player comparison for Jerry Tillery, but their time in South Bend didn’t overlap, and the class of 2019 prospect says he doesn’t have a relationship with the 2014 second round pick.
To see where we have Jerry Tillery in our NFL mock draft go here.
Go here for the Notre Dame Pro Day numbers, plus the combine results of the ND players who were in Indianapolis.
For his combine results, go to his NFL.com prospect page at this link. The official NFL page gives him an overall rating of 6.03, projecting him to be in the “instant starter in the NFL” category.
For more on Tillery, go to this link
Notre Dame Pro Day Stories/Prospect Profiles
Miles Boykin Julian Love Jerry Tillery Dexter Williams
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, regularly appears as a guest pundit on WGN CLTV and co-hosts the “Let’s Get Weird, Sports” podcast on SB Nation.
He also contributes sociopolitical essays to Chicago Now. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram. The content of his cat’s Instagram account is unquestionably superior to his.