Interview: 2023 Arizona QB CJ Tiller Ready to Spin It at College Camps
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Extra heat was rising out of Arizona 6A high school stadiums during the 2020 season with Class of 2023 quarterback CJ Tiller slinging the pigskin around the yard. The 6-3, 200-pound, talent showed he is one of the nation’s rising talents in the pocket after averaging 238 passing yards per game covering 1,428 yards with nine touchdowns tossed in stats through six games. In-state recruiting interest has poured in for the Williams Field standout with other teams in the Pac-12, Big Ten, and ACC, among others tracking his progress.
Making a return visit to the RNG Lab, Tiller updates us on his recruiting process and college camp circuit.
*Hit the link for the March Under Armour camp RNG video interview with CJ Tiller
Interview
CJ, how are the workouts coming along this spring?
The workouts this spring have been good. I have been doing two-a-day, three really, workouts. One in the morning is with my personal trainer, PJ, he played at U-of-A (Arizona) and the Bucs. Then I am going to school for football practice and then night workouts. The workouts this spring have been good. I am having fun, but it is still business at the end of the day.
You’ve been really active hitting up camps this offseason, we last saw each other at the Under Armour camp; which other camps have you been to so far?
I haven’t started going to college camps yet, they open in June. Last week I went to a Rivals camp. I showed my skills around other top quarterbacks there. I had parents and the media on their toes. Getting to compete with the top kids there, I feel I am up there with them.
At the Rivals camp, what drills did they have the quarterbacks doing?
The drills, Coach Boom, he put us through a lot of fundamental drills. We had fun. It was quick stuff, nothing deep until we got with the receivers. We did quick speed throws, at different arm angles – a lot of that. It was fun, for sure.
Are there any college camps you are hitting up this summer?
Yes, I am competing at a Louisville camp, U-of-A, USC, UNLV, Nevada, and Iowa camps. Those will be the main camps I go to this summer. There might be a couple that pop up here and there. There will be multiple colleges at the UNLV camp. Arizona State told me to go to the UNLV camp; they will be there.
Over the spring months, did you get to play 7v7 ball?
We did 7v7 with our school verses a couple other schools. We were building our chemistry up. It went better than expected. We didn’t lose any of our chemistry on offense. We have a brand-new defense; they are getting their chemistry up.
Did you guys get spring ball at Williams Field?
Yes.
With the camps, 7v7, and going against your teammates, where are you seeing the biggest development in your game as a quarterback?
Doing all this, the biggest improvement I am seeing is with my reads, my timing with my receivers, and I have way better placement with the ball. My sophomore year really helped me develop my trust and chemistry with my guys for the next two years. I am happy seeing that. There are always things you can work on. Like I said before, it is about being a quarterback not a thrower. You have to make your reads and have your team follow.
With the camps coming up, which schools are showing interest ahead of time?
Louisville, U-of-A, Arizona State, Northern Arizona, Appalachian State, and Iowa.
Are there any recruiting visits you may take this summer?
Yes, I am planning on visiting Louisville, USC, and ASU.
CJ, it is always great catching up with you. Wishing you great success this summer at each of the college camps.
Thank you, Ryan.
Photo credit: Tiller family; CJ Tiller