Tennessee Vols wide receiver Cedric Tillman had eight receptions during his first three seasons on Rocky Top.

In 2021, Tillman has caught 57 passes for 931 yards and nine touchdowns.

I don't think anyone saw that stat line coming this season from the former three-star recruit from Las Vegas.

Tillman has played so well this season that the 2022 NFL Draft could be an option for the redshirt junior.

After the Vols' 45-21 win against Vanderbilt on Saturday night, Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel sent a strong message to Tillman regarding his future at UT.

“I believe his (Tillman) best football is still ahead of him," said Heupel. "He's a guy that from the moment we've gotten here he's just been super consistent in who he is and how he approaches the day, how he works in the weight room."

"Man, he's got a chance to be an extremely dominant football player next year. Guy's got a chance to do some really special things and help this program win."

I'd say that's a pretty strong recruiting pitch from Heupel.

He knows that Tillman could an important part of Tennessee's success in 2022. And I think Heupel knows that Tillman could significantly improve his draft stock by returning to UT next season, too.

The Vols' offense was incredibly impressive in Heupel's first season leading the program. A year ago under previous head coach Jeremy Pruitt, UT had the No. 109 scoring offense in the nation.

After 12 games this season, the Vols have the No. 9 scoring offense in the nation. That's an insane improvement in just one season.

Imagine what Tennessee could accomplish in year two of the Heupel era. Especially if Tillman is back in Knoxville.

Featured image via Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports/Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK