Armchair Quarterback: MTSU stars seeking spot with Titans
Alumni of University of Middle Tennessee or MTSU or whatever they are calling themselves in Murfreesboro nowadays have to be happy about the incoming class of new Tennessee Titans who will continue sporting the blue this year.
Taken by the Titans in the second round, Middle Tennessee wideout Tyrone Calico has been described as a “poor man’s Terrell Owens” with his ability to make yards after the catch. Joining him, although surprisingly undrafted, will be highly touted Middle Tennessee running back Dwone Hicks, a north-south runner in the mold of Eddie George.
While I’m excited to see these two prospects go to the Titans, even though I’m a graduate from an academic school known as Tennessee Tech, they’ve both got a job ahead of them to make the team given the limited roster spots available.
This is especially true for Hicks since the Titans generally keep just five spots for backs. The top spots will be reserved for George and Robert Holcomb, both of whom had good seasons last year. Another spot will be for explosive back and special teamer John Simon who fell into the Titan’s hands last year. The fourth spot will be for the team’s sole halfback, Greg Comella. It’s doubtful any of these four will have job security issues barring unforeseen events.
So, this means Hicks will likely be battling for the last position with third-round draft choice Chris Brown of Colorado.
The competition will likely be fierce between these two given both sported impressive college records. Brown may be best known for smoking the Cornhuskers with a 198-yard, six touchdown performance followed up by a 182 -yard, three touchdown performance in the Big 12 title game against the Longhorns last year. Hicks also boasts a huge game against Louisiana Tech with 311 yards and six touchdowns.
The question is will Brown be better prepared for the big-time given his experience against nationally ranked teams. Also, will Hicks’ knee injury figure into the mix, given the fact he skipped some off-season workouts due to knee soreness. On Hicks’ side, he had a long career at Middle, and was a consistent performer even when slowed by injury. Brown came out of the closet this past year and was part of a three-back rotation.
Given their similarity of styles, I’d say it will be a close call as to who fills the final spot in the backfield. Both are known as hard-nose runners who sometimes take more stiff hits than what they should. The wrap on both is their upright styles may lead to injuries and fumbles.
The road to the Titan gameday roster may be easier for Calico with the off-season departure of Kevin Dyson to the Panthers. There’s a spot wide open now aside Derrick Mason, Justin McCareins, Drew Bennett, Eddie Berlin and Darrell Hill. As a matter of fact, there could even be a starting position open since the Titans have somewhat platooned the receiving corps alongside Mason. The deep receiving crew also gives Calico the luxury of learning the scheme so long as he makes the team, which second-round picks generally do, although I foresee McCareins, barring injury, becoming a solid second receiver opposite Mason.
The fact to Middle Tennessee players are now on the squad can only raise interest in the Titans as I predict quite a rise from the crowd during pre-season games when either of these prospects are inserted in the line up. Hopefully we’ll be able to hear the chants of “Dwone, Dwone, Dwone” when the regular season kicks off.