This prospect impressed a lot at Bears' local pro day
Throughout the offseason, the Chicago Bears have consistently grabbed the spotlight, culminating in an exclusive, combine-like showcase at Northern Illinois University on the past Tuesday, April 9.
Introducing Scott Tumilty, a 23-year-old from Villa Park and an alumnus of the University of St. Francis, who previously shone brightly at Willowbrook High School as a versatile athlete in three sports, earning him the label of "freak athlete."
Tumilty, who earned his bachelor's in Accounting in 2022 and his MBA in 2023, is a robust figure at 5'11" and 206 lbs. He showcases exceptional coverage across the field from his safety spot and has a knack for turning any kickoff or punt into a scoring opportunity.
In his high school days, Scott was recognized twice as an all-state corner and safety and was equally lauded for his academic achievements, which seamlessly paved his path to college football. At the University of St. Francis in Joliet's southern suburbs, Tumilty was a force to be reckoned with.
His dynamic return skills, combined with an uncommonly sharp instinct for the safety position, caught the attention of the Mid-States Football Association and beyond. Tumilty's list of accolades is long and distinguished, including being a 4x 1st team All-MSFA Safety, 3x 1st team All-MSFA Return Specialist, and holding over 2,200 return yards, setting a university record.
The Bears' event, which also drew a scout from the Minnesota Vikings, focused on the 40-yard dash and player measurements. Tumilty impressed the scouts present with a 40-yard dash time of 4.46 seconds, a mark that would have ranked him among the top safeties at the 2024 NFL Combine.
Scott's performance left him feeling optimistic about future opportunities. Known for his humility, Tumilty believes his skills are on par with NFL safeties like Jordan Poyer or Micah Hyde. Despite a recent quad injury, his exceptional recovery and training dedication have him poised for the next level.
Tumilty is currently awaiting further engagement from scouts, grounded by his family and faith. Embracing his father's motto, "All gas. No brakes," he remains focused and eager for the challenges ahead.
Given the NFL's revised kickoff rules intended to rejuvenate the return game while enhancing player safety, Tumilty's abilities could not only prove invaluable but also thrilling for fans and teams alike. His remarkable speed and resilience, even in the face of injury, underscore his readiness for the professional stage.
| POLL | ||
11 AVRIL | 27 ANSWERS This prospect impressed a lot at Bears' local pro day Do you think Scott Tumilty will be drafted by an NFL team this year? | ||
| Yes | 13 | 48.1 % |
| No | 14 | 51.9 % |
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