The Los Angeles Chargers selected defensive tackle Jerry Tillery out of Notre Dame with the 28th overall pick in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
The 6-7, 295-pound Shreveport, La., native helped lead Notre Dame to the College Football Playoff and an undefeated regular season record in 2018. Tillery played in 50 career games, totaling 135 tackles with 13.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and two blocked kicks.
In 2018, Tillery was named a Maxwell Award finalist and Midseason All-America by Sporting News, The Athletic, Sports Illustrated and TheAssociated Press. Also, during his senior campaign, Tillery was named to the Bednarik Award, Outland Trophy and Bronko Nagurski watch lists.
Tillery enjoyed his most productive season in 2018, recording a team-high eight sacks, three forced fumbles, 10.5 tackles for loss and added a pair of blocked kicks. He earned national recognition with his career day of four sacks and a forced fumble in a Week 5 win over seventh-ranked Stanford.
Tillery opened the 2018 campaign with a four-tackle performance in a win over No. 14 Michigan, including two sacks and a forced fumble. Tillery emerged as a force in 2017, recording 56 tackles (25 solo), 4.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss and a forced fumble.
