Titans have three trying to become No. 3 quarterback

They brought in four undrafted free agent quarterbacks for their minicamps, which ended Thursday with 2003 Heisman Trophy winner Jason White, Shane Boyd and Gino Guidugli still left in the competition. Former LSU quarterback Marcus Randall was moved to defensive back on Tuesday.

Since moving to Tennessee, the Titans have never taken more than four quarterbacks into training camp, and coach Jeff Fisher said Thursday that up to eight players will be cut before July 29 as the team signs its 11 draft choices.

Whether that includes a quarterback remains to be seen.

“We have a better feel for what they are able to do,” Fisher said. “I think once we get the pads on and give them some more opportunities, we’ll be able to separate them even more. Because of the OTAs and the number of reps, they just haven’t gotten the opportunity.”

The issue of who plays quarterback behind Steve McNair and backup Billy Volek is a pressing issue for the Titans that started in 2004. They used veteran Doug Johnson at the spot last season.

But the search is more urgent because McNair contemplated retirement this offseason. Volek, who recently hired agent Drew Rosenhaus, has indicated he will ask for a trade in 2006 if McNair is healthy and happy enough to keep playing.

The 6-foot-1, 235-pound Boyd, who played at Kentucky, said signing a free agent deal with the Titans was an easy decision because they have an opening.

“You look at this whole team, there’s a lot of open spots. Biggest rookie class probably in Titans history, but it probably ranks up there with NFL history,” Boyd said.

White has had the most attention as a former Heisman Trophy winner with his national championship ring from Oklahoma. The Titans gave him a deal after a weekend tryout failed at Kansas City, and reporters made almost daily stops by his locker opposite McNair’s during the minicamps.

“I think I cherish it a little more than the other guys who didn’t have to sit at home and wait for a call. I’m trying to take full advantage of it and trying to do everything I can do to learn the offense, make plays and help the offense out,” White said.

Boyd already has made an impression with his leadership and athleticism that includes a strong arm. White finished the sessions knowing the answers to how many steps he should take on his drop and what the receivers are doing.

Guidugli had the toughest road because he couldn’t report to the Titans until he finished classes at Cincinnati. He took his final exam at 3:30 p.m. on June 7 and flew into Nashville that night. He has been studying the offense ever since.

None of the three will admit to thinking about what might happen now.

“I have no idea what they’re going to do or what direction they’re going,” Guidugli said.