2026 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: JT Tillis, DE, Washburn University

• Name: JT Tillis
• Position: Edge Rusher
• College: Washburn University (Graduated from Lamar University)
• Height: 6’4
• Weight: 255
• Twitter: Jonavon1k
• Instagram: Jtisonig

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2026 NFL Draft?

My size, length, athletic ability, and versatility allow me to impact the game at every position on the defensive side of the ball. I started my college career playing corner and then have made starts every where in the box.

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

NFL teams should know that I’m a competitor who brings intensity and effort every day. I’ve taken a unique path through college football, and that journey has made me mentally tough and extremely hungry for the opportunity to prove myself at the next level.

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?

I would donate to programs that help with breast cancer awareness and treatment.

Who was your role model?

My mom has been my biggest role, model. Just able to keep going in life when things don’t go our way.

Who is your favorite NFL team?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?

Caden Rhamey was very underrated for us, he played every where on the defensive line able to provide pressure and did great in the run game.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

My biggest pet peeve is when people don’t give full effort for the things that don’t take talent. I believe if you’re going to do something, you should give it your all.

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

My favorite teachers has to be coach lone. Even though he is labeled as a coach. Every coach is a teacher, when I was going through a rough time during my junior college experience, he was able to help me out and give me wisdom.

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?

I feel like on of the hardest moments for me was going juco, I believed in myself that I would be able to get a scholarship. But I had to show the world that, it was some nights that i didn’t know if I was going to get an offer or not. That was very hard.

If you could have any franchise restaurant in your house what would it be?

Chipotle

What is your favorite snack food?

Fruit snacks.

What is your degree in?

General Studies with a focus in Business.

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Tom Brady, LeBron and Elon musk. They’re all successful in many different ways, so having the ability to pick their brains. I think I would get a lifetime of knowledge

What is your biggest weakness?

One of my biggest weaknesses is that I can be overly hard on myself. I hold myself to a very high standard, but I’ve learned how to use that as motivation to keep improving every day