Tennessee wide receiver Cedric Tillman declared for the 2023 NFL Draft on Monday and opted out of playing in the Orange Bowl.

Tillman’s season was limited by an ankle injury, but he remains the No. 36 overall draft prospect by ESPN. He posted his announcement on Twitter.

“Though I battled through injury this season, I am grateful I returned for my 2022 senior year, and now I turn my attention to the next level,” Tillman wrote, in part.

Thank you Vol Nation. I will always bleed orange ???? pic.twitter.com/ZV7dkdEFws

— Cedric Tillman (@Ctillman04) December 12, 2022

Tillman sustained the injury in Week 3 against Akron. He underwent tightrope surgery on the ankle in late September and returned Oct. 29 for the Kentucky game.

Tillman finished the season with 37 catches for 417 yards and three touchdowns in just six games. However, in 2021 he became Tennessee’s first 1,000-yard receiver since 2012. The 6-foot-3 Tillman finishes his career in Knoxville with 109 receptions for 1,622 yards and 17 touchdowns.

Tennessee (10-2) plays Clemson (11-2) in the Orange Bowl on Dec. 30.

–Field Level Media