Matt Manninger Assistant Strength Coach | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Matt Manninger Assistant Strength Coach | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Illinois tight end Tip Reiman has been selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, taking the 82nd overall pick. He joins his Illinois teammate Isaiah Adams, who was picked by the Cardinals earlier at No. 71.
Reiman's selection makes him the second-highest drafted tight end in Illinois history, following Ken Dilger, who was chosen as the 48th overall pick by the Indianapolis Colts in 1995.
During his time at Illinois, Reiman recorded 41 receptions for 420 yards and five touchdowns. He began his college career as a walk-on in 2020 and earned a scholarship from head coach Bret Bielema in September 2021. His performance secured him a spot among the top tight ends in the Big Ten.
Known for his blocking abilities, Reiman had his most productive season catching passes in 2023 with 19 receptions for 203 yards and three touchdowns across all 12 games he started.
Reiman is one of three Fighting Illini players picked in this year's draft, following defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton (Washington, No. 36) and Adams (Arizona, No. 71). This marks him as the seventh tight end from Illinois to be drafted into the NFL since its inception.
He is also noted as being part of head coach Bret Bielema's legacy, marking Bielema's seventh tight end and overall his 54th player drafted during his coaching tenure spanning over fifteen seasons.
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