NFL Draft interview: St. Francis S Scott Tumilty

WCG’s lead draft analyst speaks with an NAIA All-American gem.

A Villa Park native, St. Francis safety Scott Tumilty got to achieve a dream of his when he attended a local invite for the Bears on Apr. 9.

Tumilty is a two-time NAIA All-American with 5 career all-purpose touchdowns, 228 total tackles and 6 total interceptions. His production, special teams versatility and speed displayed on tape earned him an invitation to a local workout Chicago put on at NIU, where the Vikings also had representation in attendance. While he was there, he ran a 4.46 40-yard dash, placing him in the 84th-percentile for all safeties to enter the NFL Draft.

Windy City Gridiron spoke with Tumilty about his experience working out in front of his hometown team, his approach as a defensive back, playing both baseball and football in college, and more.

JI: You’ve accomplished a lot at St. Francis from a team perspective and individually. What’s been your favorite collegiate moment so far?

ST: We got a good group of guys at school. I was able to play with my one brother for two years now, and then my youngest brother played there last fall with us. He’s back at College of DuPage right now for this spring. But yeah, I think football wise, being around this group of guys on a daily basis, I think that’s what I’ve enjoyed most about football. Also, winning games, stuff like that, and the individual accolades are great, you know, but I think just being around the team and going out, competing for the staff every Saturday, I think that’s what I’ll remember most about it.

JI: You balanced playing both football and baseball at St. Francis for a time. How did you manage being a two-sport athlete?

ST: I think it was a testament to the staff there, baseball-wise and football-wise. My football staff allowing me to go dual-sport for spring ball, they were able to make it work. They’re on the baseball schedule, so they made it work for me, and I just took it from there. It was nice, being able to do both.

JI: What did you learn in baseball that could carry over to the football field?

ST: I would say developing hand-eye coordination had to be the biggest thing. I remember in Florida, playing the No. 1 team in the country — Southeastern University — we saw a guy throwing a mid-90s fastball and flipping in a low-70s curveball. Those guys playing pro baseball have insane hand-eye coordination. Being able to handle pressure transfers over to football for me, as well.

JI: I want to break down your approach in coverage. It’ll depend on the play, but generally what goes through your mind pre-snap, and what are the first actions you’re looking to take after the snap?

ST: I’m looking at the offense’s entire formation. This can give me good indicators for pass vs. run and the plays the offense will run...