The Tennessee Titans made coaches available on Day 2 of organized team activities and special teams coordinator Craig Aukerman was among them.
On the subject of kick returners, Aukerman revealed that rookie running back Tyjae Spears will be among those in competition for that specific job.
“It’s early on, obviously this is what the offseason is for,” Aukerman said, per Titans beat writer Paul Kuharsky. “We’re going to try a lot of guys out there. We obviously liked [Spears’] skill set coming out of college. It’s a little bit too early but we’re going to try him out there and see how that works.”
Aukerman also named Spears as someone who will be in contention for punt return duties, along with second-year wide receiver Kyle Philips.
Aukerman: Philips and Spears are two in the mix for PR.
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) May 23, 2023
Aukerman spoke about the new kickoff rules, the kicker competition and much more during his presser on Tuesday. Here’s a look at all of it.
On kicker competition
Craig Aukerman said #Titans kicker battle between Caleb Shudak and Trey Wolfe will go thru camp. Said he won’t rule out looking at veteran options.
— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) May 23, 2023
Aukerman said #Titans want their 40-49 yard kicks is what they want consistently. Said 50-plus is good but not as big a priority.
More and more though 50-plus is becoming the norm around the NFL!
— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) May 23, 2023
On new fair catch on kickoff rules
#Titans ST coordinator Craig Aukerman on the new fair catch on kickoff rules. pic.twitter.com/JmjxDS576h
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) May 23, 2023
On returners
Such a low bar for returners from Craig Aukerman. #Titans pic.twitter.com/JhR9H5r0Bg
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) May 23, 2023
On P Ryan Stonehouse
Aukerman: Want Stonehouse to match his distance with better hang time. Only 4 FCs by opponents last year.
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) May 23, 2023
On special teams assistant (and former Ravens DB) Anthony Levine
Former Ravens ST captain Anthony Levine is now an assistant ST coach for the #Titans. Craig Aukerman told a pretty cool story about Kevin's awareness as a player on a fake punt against Baltimore a couple of years ago. pic.twitter.com/VnN6sKbvZk
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) May 23, 2023
