MEADVILLE – Just like his cousin Marcus Tillman did two yearsago, Franklin County senior defensive end Josh Tillman has decidedto withdraw the team he committed to early in the season off hislist.

Tillman committed to Ole Miss back in July, but recent coachingchanges and the chance to play early has changed his mind in thefavor of Southern Miss.

“I had a real good visit there last week,” said Josh Tillman.”Things went really well and I was impressed with the campus andthe coaches.”

Two years ago, Josh’s cousin All American defensive end MarcusTillman decommitted from LSU and signed with Ole Miss on signingday. Part of the reason for Josh Tillman’s earlier commitment tothe Rebels was the chance to play with his cousin again back in thesummer. After watching Ole Miss changed coaches from Ed Orgeron toHouston Nutt, Tillman felt that Southern Miss. and new head coachLarry Fedora was the better place for him.

“I just felt comfortable with USM,” added Tillman. “It’s closerto home too.”

From Tillman’s Quentin home, USM is a two-hour drive, while OleMiss is 4 hours away. Tillman plans on signing with the Eagles onNational Signing Day, Wednesday, Feb 6.

Last season Tillman registered 101 tackles and a school record20 sacks for the Bulldogs. FCHS went 12-3 overall reaching the 3Afinal. The Bulldogs won the 3A crown in 2006, going 14-1.

“I’m just ready to get to college and start competing,” saidTillman.