When a defensive unit shut outs their opponent, you have to show some love to the players that made it happen. Omar Tillman Omar Tillman 6'3" | 220 lbs | DL Union City | 2025 State NJ was the lead playmaker in the semifinal game against East Orange as he applied pressure to the pocket for a full 4 quarters. Omar is an elite edge rusher to say the least, and he proved it in this matchup. Coming quick off of the line, Omar was able to set the tone with an aggressive pass rush that forced East Orange to make mistakes throughout the game and crumble under pressure. Getting into the backfield with speed, Omar was able to use his commanding size and quickness to sack the quarterback four times, rack up 9 total tackles, and force a fumble in their playoff win. Omar currently holds offers from West Virginia State, Akron, and Kent State, but if they can pull off a win in the state title game, I think we will see more offers flood his direction.

Another prospect that needs to be on the radar of more schools is Union City’s Omar Tillman Omar Tillman 6'3" | 220 lbs | DL Union City | 2025 State NJ . Coming across as an instinctive end who is coached very well, we see that Tillman reads his keys and reacts accordingly, swimmingly low hats, fighting the reach, or squeezing when unblocked. When squeezing against option, he is quick enough to surf and also take away the quarterback keep against less athletic quarterbacks. Tillman also has the strength to extend and lock out on weaker offensive linemen, has the discipline to spin back when the quarterback step sup in the pocket, and also stacks offensive linemen’s heels when he gets behind them. Lastly, the Union City signature is ingrained in his DNA: hands on, step, squeeze, wrong arm, and u-turn. Every. Time.

When I caught up with Union City Head Coach, and State Sectional Champion, Wil Valdez at a camp this spring, I bluntly asked him how was Omar Tillman Omar Tillman 6'3" | 220 lbs | DL Union City | 2025 State NJ not blowing up? The dialogue I will keep private between he and I; however we both agreed that he is the real deal. Film shows us that he is awfully quick, particularly when playing the option – allowing him the unique ability to play both the keep and the give simultaneously. Tillman also does a great job swimming low hats and stacking the heels of his matchup, while equally fighting the reach well. Against some opponents, we see Tillman absolutely knock back his matchup in the backfield, creating a bubble offenses must worry about. Disciplined when pass rushing, Tillman stops when he is at the quarterback’s depth, as opposed to over setting, only to work back and pursue as he quarterback climbs in the pocket. Lastly, a patented trait of any Union City defensive edge player, Tillman spills by executing textbook wrong arms, rips, and u-turns like the Union City greats before him.

Previous Ranking: Watch List

Current State Ranking: 34

Current Positional Ranking: 7

  Omar Tillman Omar Tillman 6'3" | 220 lbs | DL Union City | 2025 State NJ , a 6’3”, 225-pound defensive end and off-ball linebacker, stands out for his versatility. His ability to perform various roles on the field is his most distinctive trait.

Omar’s skills encompass both rushing with his hand in the dirt and standing up as an outside linebacker. His effectiveness extends to rushing from the 3-tech or 5-tech positions. As a run defender, his discipline in setting the edge while playing outside is frequently observed. On the inside, his knack for penetrating and shooting gaps results in numerous tackles for loss.

His unique athleticism is evident in his movement, particularly given his size. Omar can chase plays from the backside, making tackles with good straight-line speed and solid change of direction. An area for growth involves developing a more refined pass-rush plan and technique. Currently, he relies heavily on his athleticism for rushing, but with technical improvements, he could become one of New Jersey’s most complete edge rusher prospects.

Tillman’s talent has not gone unnoticed, as Division I scouts have shown interest, leading to offers from Akron and Kent State. As his body and frame continue to develop, it is anticipated that Power IV and SEC offers will begin to arrive, driven by his versatility and athletic prowess.