Tennessee Titans rookie running back Tyjae Spears has undoubtedly been one of the standouts throughout the preseason.
On top of producing some of the most electric highlights over the last three games, Spears finished in the top 10 in yards per carry (5.3), yards after contact per carry (4.73), and EPA per rush (+0.09), all while facing at least seven defenders in the box on a whopping 82 percent of his rush attempts.
That type of incredible production by Tennessee’s running back is quickly leading to him becoming a fan favorite, and analysts are starting to take notice of what the third-round rookie has done since the preseason began.
Jarrett Bailey of Touchdown Wire recently created his own All-Preseason Team and he rightly picked Spears as one of the running backs.
Titans 3rd round pick Tyjae Spears making plays already👀 pic.twitter.com/1y3jFV72nS
— Bussin' With The Boys (@BussinWTB) August 20, 2023
Here is what Bailey had to say regarding his decision to pick the Tulane product:
The rookie from Tulane picked up where he left off in the Cotton Bowl against USC where he ran for four touchdowns.
Spears averaged 5.3 yards per attempt on 22 carries and had one of the plays of Week 2 where he hurdled a Vikings defender after a jump cut for a touchdown. With this being the final season of Derrick Henry’s contract, don’t be surprised if Spears is the starting running back in Tennessee next season.
Tyjae Spears has showcased a vicious stiff-arm multiple times this preseason #TENvsNE pic.twitter.com/JOnOWE2uRW
— Justin Graver (@titansfilmroom) August 26, 2023
The next step for the Titans’ rookie back is to carry over his production and eye-popping talent to the games that really matter.
If Spears is able to do so, it’s not exactly an exaggeration to say that he and Derrick Henry could be on the verge of being the NFL’s best and most electric running back tandem in 2023.
