C.J. Spillman

Spillman was the heart and soul of the Thundering Herd defense the last three seasons and one of its few bright spots. The hard-hitting safety is known for his ability to create the turnover, as he registered six forced fumbles during his career. Despite playing with shoulder and hand problems as a senior, he finished with 319 tackles (162 solos) in 46 games for the Thundering Herd. The two-time All-Conference USA selection had at least three tackles in every game he started (33). His 319 hits were the most by a Thundering Herd safety. As a junior, he delivered 131 tackles, the 11th-best season total in school history, as his average of 10.92 stops per game ranked tied for twelfth in the nation. Spillman played just one season on defense before enrolling at Marshall. During his career at Central High School, he was a standout running back before moving to the defensive backfield. He earned All-State and All-Conference honors in each of his final two seasons, leading the team in interceptions as a senior. He also lettered three years in track. After graduation, he spent the 2004 season at Fork Union Military Academy before attending college. Despite overtures from the school his father, Claude Sr. played for, Spillman decided to enroll at Marshall instead of attending Western Kentucky. As a true freshman, he appeared in 11 games, earning one start vs. Southern Methodist at free safety in 2005. He ranked eighth on the team with 38 tackles (20 solos), as he intercepted one pass, deflected three others and caused one fumble. Spillman switched from jersey No. 41 to No. 4 before his sophomore year, a season that would see him start nine contests at free safety. He picked off two passes, returning one 85 yards for a score, the fourth-longest runback on a pass theft in school history. He broke up four other throws, caused a fumble and placed third on the squad with 79 tackles (43 solos). As a junior, Spillman finished third in the league and tied for 12th in the nation with a career-high 131 tackles (64 solos). The second-team All-Conference USA choice caused three fumbles and recovered another. He also deflected six passes. Hand and shoulder injuries would force Spillman to sit out the Houston clash in 2008, the only time he missed a game as part of the Thundering Herd. The free safety was again named second-team All-Conference USA. He finished fourth on the squad with 71 tackles (35 solos), as he batted down four passes and caused a fumble for the fourth consecutive year.

positives

Solid free safety prospect with adequate size and good speed. Good backpedal, stays low and shows quick feet. Has fluid hips and short-area quickness to handle man coverage when needed. Can make a play in the air, high-pointing the ball. Comes downhill to hit receivers coming over the middle. Closes quickly on ballcarriers from the deep defensive backfield. Willing to take on fullback block to force play inside. Forces fumbles by putting a shoulder on the ball or stripping after the ballcarrier is held up. Gunner on special teams due to his size, speed and toughness.

compares to

QUINTIN MIKELL, Philadelphia -- Like Mikell, Spillman is a hard-hitting tackler who is better when working downhill than in man coverage. He freelances quite a bit and that will see him miss a few potential stops, but he has the range to recover in the short area. Despite his light frame, he's had good success filling the rush alleys. He just needs to learn how to use his hands better in attempts to reroute receivers, shed blocks and try to secure the interception.

negatives

Will take false steps on play-action, but recovers adequately. Willing to hit a receiver off the line, but doesn't always use his hands to win the physical battle. Doesn't get off receiver blocks often enough. Must improve his hands for making an interception. More of a hitter than a form tackler, although he can wrap up on occasion. Will freelance, losing discipline to stay deeper than the deepest receiver.

2008: Sat out the Houston game (10/28) with a hand contusion and a shoulder strain. 2009: Could not perform in the weight room at the NFL Combine due to a wrist sprain.

Combine: 4.45 in the 40-yard dash

1.49 10-yard dash

2.57 20-yard dash

4.33 20-yard shuttle

7.05 three-cone drill

41.5-inch vertical jump

10'2" broad jump

Bench pressed 225 pounds 15 times

31 3/8-inch arm length

9 1/2-inch hands.

Attended Central (Louisville, Ky.) High School, playing football for head coaches Steve Serutte and John Shuman

Standout running back before moving to the defensive backfield

Earned All-State and All-Conference honors in each of his final two seasons

Led the team in interceptions as a senior. He also lettered three years in track.

Management major

Son of Carrie and Claude Spillman

Father played football at Western Kentucky

Born Claude Norman Spillman, Jr., on 5/06/86

Resides in Louisville, Kentucky.