Thursday, August 23, 2018

No Tiller, no problem: For first time in recent memory, Southern fields a veteran defensive line

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana --Jaron Johnson wants to make one thing clear: just because Aaron Tiller is gone doesn’t mean Southern’s defensive line is hopeless.

For four years Tiller was the anchor of the Jaguars’ defensive front. He totaled 169 career tackles, including 30 sacks, and forced nine fumbles. At 6 foot 1, 256 pounds, he was their most physical presence and powerful voice in the locker room.

His absence after graduation is certainly a void to be filled. Even Johnson will freely admit to that.



But don’t mistake a lack of Tiller for a lack of talent.

“First of all, Aaron Tiller did a lot but it was never just one guy,” Johnson said. “Since he’s gone, we’ve had to come together as a unit. This is what we’re going to do and this is how we’re going to do it. We’re not going to dwell on losing Aaron Tiller.”

Two years ago Tiller was the sole leader in a group of freshmen and sophomores gaining experience by getting thrown into the fire.

CONTINUE READING 

No comments:

Post a Comment