Tommy Tremble’s breakout season is still loading.
New Carolina Panthers tight end coach John Lilly spoke briefly to reporters on Wednesday afternoon. When asked about the development of Tremble, Lilly said he thinks 2023 should serve as a stepping stone for the talented young pass catcher.
“I think one big thing with Tommy is—he entered the league at 20 years old,” Lilly said to an inquiring David Newton. “So, he’s got two years in the league, and he’s still just 22 right now. I think he maybe has a birthday next month.
“But he’s still a young player. You look at most of the guys that were drafted and they are older than what he is. I think it’s kinda time for him to take another step. I think he made a great decision in the offseason—he stayed here, he trained all last offseason. Been very impressed by the way he’s approached the day-by-day and trying to pick it all up and take it to the field.”
Thus far, over those first two years in the league, he’s taken 39 receptions, 354 yards and four touchdowns to the field. A third-round pick in 2021, Tremble was expected to help rejuvenate Carolina’s tight end room—one that has not produced much since the days of Greg Olsen.
As, Lilly noted, there’s still plenty of time left for Tremble to grow into those expectations. He is currently younger or just as old as four of the top five tight ends drafted a month ago—Dalton Kincaid (23), Sam LaPorta (22), Luke Musgrave (22) and Luke Schoonmaker (24).
But that little tidbit will not last much longer—as Tremble will, in fact, be celebrating his 23rd birthday on June 2. Happy birthday, Tommy!
