Notebook: 'I think they have the ability' Odums discusses possibility of Tillery, Quinn getting NFL shot

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- There is not much more left to accomplish at Southern for senior stars Lenard Tillery and Willie Quinn.

Individually, Tillery is spending every week expanding putting distance between himself and everyone else for the SWAC career rushing record, and Quinn owns school marks in receptions and receiving yards. They’ve both been a part of tremendous team success as well.

It’s logical then to wonder what their next step is, and Southern coach Dawson Odums was asked about that at his Tuesday news luncheon. Do Tillery and Quinn have what it takes to play in the NFL?

“I’m going to be biased — I think they have the ability,” Odums said. “I just think they need an opportunity, and I think someone is going to give them an opportunity.”

Both will have big hurdles to clear to simply get a shot. Both are undersized according to the professional positional prototype, especially Quinn. Both must overcome a small-school stigma that will in all likelihood leave them trying to make a roster as an undrafted free agent.



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