Alabama A&M: Bulldogs could be without Tillman (Notes)

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama - Alabama A&M could be without one of its top defensive lineman when the Bulldogs take on Hampton next Saturday in the Chicago Classic.

Defensive tackle Tim Tillman suffered a pulled hamstring late in Wednesday's practice and is questionable for the season opener against the Pirates.

"I don't think he'll be able to play," A&M defensive line coach Ben Blacknall said Thursday after practice.

Tillman, a 6-foot-2, 285-pound junior, played in 10 games and started eight last season. He managed only nine tackles and three sacks, but had had a great training camp after coming back from offseason shoulder surgery.

"He has been playing well," Blacknall said. "If we lose him, it's going to hurt us a whole lot. He's got more experience than any of those other guys in there."

Blacknall said he wasn't sure who would replace Tillman in the starting lineup if he was unable to play.

"I don't know. I'm just being honest with you," Blacknall said. "I've got to see who's eligible and who's not eligible."

Montay Rover, who just recently moved to defensive tackle from inside linebacker, Quintin Robinson and Juwanza Vickers are the likely candidates. Unfortunately, none of them have ever played in a game for the Bulldogs.

"We'll have to wait and see after we scrimmage Saturday," Blacknall said.



"I'll get the injury report Sunday and see who's ready to go next week."

A&M coach Anthony Jones was hopeful Tillman might be able to play.

"We're hoping he's not too bad," Jones said.

Practice report

The Bulldogs practiced for approximately two hours Thursday and while they're getting better, Jones says they still have some work to do.

"We're getting closer and closer each day, but we're still not where we need to be," Jones said. "Hopefully, we'll get a little healthier as next week progresses, we'll get a little more knowledgeable, a little more confident and a little more trusting of each other. If we're able to put all those things together, we might have a chance."

Final scrimmage

A&M will hold its fourth and final scrimmage Saturday afternoon, but it will be closed to the public. After meetings and weights on Sunday, the Bulldogs will have Monday off before starting game-week preparation for Hampton.

"We'll have a dress rehearsal on Saturday and from there we'll try to get them ready and polish up next week," Jones said. "Hopefully, we'll be ready to roll on Sept. 3."