University of Louisiana at Lafayette Athletics
CHARLES TILLMAN INVITED TO SECOND BOWL
12/4/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
Monday, December 4, 2002
LAFAYETTE, LA - The University of Louisiana at Lafayette announced on Wednesday that defensive back Charles Tillman has received an invitation to the Fifth Annual Rotary Gridiron Classic College All-Star Game in Orlando, Fla.
The Rotary Gridiron Classic will kick-off at 2 p.m. EST on Saturday, January 25, 2003 (ESPN2) and will be played at the Florida Citrus Bowl (65,612). Maryland's Ralph Friedgen, UCF's Mike Kruczek and 12 coaches from NFL Europe will comprise the coaching staffs.
Tillman has not declined or accepted the offer. UL Lafayette is currently in the midst of final examinations. He accepted an invitation to the Hula Bowl on Nov. 13, which will be played on Saturday, February 1, 2003.
"I'm excited for Charles Tillman," said Ragin' Cajuns head coach Rickey Bustle. "This is his second invitation and there could be another yet to come. I know he (Tillman) will make us proud.
"Our program now has three post season bowl invitations in the last two months. I'm very pleased with the direction we are heading in. This shows high school players that when they become a member of the Ragin' Cajuns, they will have every opportunity to be noticed by the NFL."
Tillman was a unanimous 1st Team All-Sun Belt selection this season. He led the Cajuns with 100 tackles, including 65 solo stops. His 284 career tackles mark the 5th most all-time by a Cajun. The Copperas Cove, Texas native forced three fumbles and blocked three kicks, while posting nine or more tackles in six games. His three blocks led to 12 points by the Cajuns (TD, FG, Safety). He recorded two interceptions giving him 12 for his career. Tillman was named SBC Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance against Arkansas in which he blocked two punts and forced a fumble.
The RGC All-Star Classic utilizes a unique format in which the top collegiate football players from the state of Florida (Team Florida) take on the best players from the rest of the country (Team USA). It is the official All-Star Game of the NFL Players Association and is played under current NFL rules. The proceeds from the game benefit the Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis, the Rotary Foundation charities and Florida Citrus Sports charities.
Over 80 percent (298/360) of Gridiron players have been drafted or signed NFL contracts. This season, 24 Gridiron players are current NFL starters, with 57 former Gridiron players on two-deep rosters on opening day.
The Gridiron Classic has produced many elite NFL stars over the past four years, including Minnesota Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper, New Orleans Saints defensive lineman Darren Howard, Denver Broncos fullback Mike Anderson, New York Giants wide receiver Ron Dixon, San Diego Chargers lineman Damion McIntosh and Cleveland Browns defensive back Anthony Henry.
For more information, visit the official website of the Rotary Gridiron Classic at www.fcsports.com.
-Ragin' Cajuns-
