- 2004 Inductee, Nebraska Football Hall of Fame
- Two-time First-Team All-Big Eight
Senior (1978)
Pillen started at monster for Nebraska and recorded 64 tackles and seven tackles for loss. For the second straight year, Pillen was named All-Big Eight. Pillen recovered a pair of fumbles, including Billy Sims' fumble late in the fourth quarter of Nebraska's 17-14 win over Oklahoma. In addition to his on-the-field exploits, Pillen was named first-team academic All-Big Eight and named first-team academic All-American.
Junior (1977)
Pillen led the defensive backs with 79 tackles, including 44 solo stops and four tackles for loss and four interceptions. Pillen led the Huskers to their 31-24 win over Alabama with nine tackles and two important fourth-quarter interceptions.
Sophomore (1976)
A reserve in his first year on the varsity squad, Pillen had 13 tackles, including two for loss.
Redshirt Freshman (1975)
Pillen redshirted in his second year in the program.
Freshman (1975)
Pillen starred for the freshman squad in the defensive backfield.
At Lakeview HS
An all-state quarterback and linebacker for coach Fred Kobza, Pillen starred at Columbus Lakeview High School. Pillen earned 10 letters in his high school athletic career.
Personal
The son of Dale and Dorothy Pillen, Jim was born Dec. 31, 1955. His brother, Clete, was a 2003 inductee in the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame and a letterwinner from 1974-76.
Pillen's Career Statistics
Tackles
.
Fum.
.
.
.
Year
UT
AT
TT
TFL
R
PI
PBU
BK
1976
7
6
13
2-13
0
1
1
0
1977
44
35
79
4-18
1
4
3
0
1978
32
32
64
7-49
2
0
3
0
Totals
83
73
156
13-80
3
5
7
0