Tennessee Titans running back and former Tulane standout Tyjae Spears, one of the stars of last year's Reese's Senior Bowl, returned to Mobile, Ala., this week to support a few former teammates as they take their first steps toward a possible professional career.
Spears climbed up draft boards after his performance on the practice and playing field in Mobile a year ago, earning Senior Bowl Practice Player of the Week honors. The payoff? Becoming a third-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.
This week, Mike Keith of Titans.com caught up with Spears, who was in town to show support for two of his former teammates, quarterback Michael Pratt and wide receiver Jha'Quan Jackson.
Spears' advice to former Tulane teammates
Spears didn't necessarily need Senior Bowl success to find a home in the NFL. In his senior season at Tulane, the running back totaled 1,581 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns. He also caught two touchdown passes.
But Spears' work ethic in the Senior Bowl practices stood out. It undoubtedly helped his draft stock; the Titans selected the former Tulane star at No. 81 overall.
So, what kind of advice would Spears give his former teammates this week?
"Just play your game. It's just football. Play your game, be confident. You're selling yourself, so do what you want the people to invest in," he said.
"Everything you do matters. The way you walk, the way you talk, the way you play, the way you practice. That's the biggest thing, the way you practice. How you come off as a person, all that stuff matters."
Spears relaxing in offseason
Now that his rookie year has concluded, Spears is getting a taste of his first NFL offseason. How is he spending his time? Right now, it sounds like he's doing a whole lot of nothing.
"Chillin," Spears said. "We endured a lot."
The running back then detailed why this offsesaon was so important to rest — not just physically, but mentally. He referenced the long year he's had, dating back to his time at Tulane.
"We were in the Cotton Bowl. We went from the Cotton Bowl to the Senior Bowl to the combine and to all these visits. So, it's a lot," he said. "Then, the whole season, 17 games, on top of that. So, I'm just chillin right now."
Spears rushed for 453 yards and accounted for 385 receiving yards during his rookie campaign. He scored three total touchdowns as well.
Without question, the rookie out of Tulane has earned a little time off.
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