NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Charvarius Ward woke up on Friday morning with a smile on his face, envisioning what his big opportunity would be like.
Ward, who played cornerback at MTSU, was one of over 30 players who visited Saint Thomas Sports Park on a day when the team hosted prospects from local schools, and players from the area leading up to the NFL Draft.
At one point Friday, he found himself chatting in a small group with Titans coach Mike Vrabel, and shaking hands with tight end Delanie Walker, who happened to stroll by as the conversation was wrapping up.
"Oh man, it's an honor," Ward said. "I never envisioned myself being in this position, so this is the highest of the highs. Coach Vrabel, he told us just to enjoy the process. Just keep grinding and don't stress and when the opportunity comes your way you have to take advantage of it. … I just wanted to show my talent. It was a great opportunity."
Players from Vanderbilt, Middle Tennessee State, Tennessee State, and Western Kentucky were among those on hand, as well as players with area ties.
D'Montre Wade played collegiately at Murray State, but was eligible for the local pro day since he played in high school at Brentwood Academy. Others qualified to work out for the Titans under the same guidelines.
The players went through drills under the supervision of Titans coaches. Titans general manager Jon Robinson and members of the scouting department watched, and took notes.
"It was a good opportunity to come out here and show what I could do," Wade said. "I just wanted to show me being a smooth DB. But I also want to show I am willing to do whatever it takes to make a team, and get on the field."
Former Vanderbilt receiver C.J. Duncan, who caught 52 passes for 517 yards and five touchdowns last season, caught passes and went through drills alongside some of his former teammates with the Commodores.
Duncan was among six receivers who worked out on Friday. Former Vandy receivers Trent Sherfield and Caleb Scott also took part in the team's local pro day. Duncan caught the ball well. He went up high to make a sideline catch near the end of the day.
"Days like today, you don't have to worry about 40 times, or shuttle drills or verticals, or things like that," Duncan said. "You just come out here and play football, that's what I am best at. I am a slot receiver that gets open, and I feel like I was able to display a skill set that shows that.
"All you can ask for is an opportunity, to be able to get out there and display your skill set. I feel like I was able to do that today and the rest is in God's hands, and I am OK with that."
TitansOnline.com looks back at some of the team's #1 draft picks over the years. (AP Photos)
Commissioner Roger Goodell, left, presents Alabama's Rashaan Evans with his Tennessee Titans jersey during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 26, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Alabama linebacker Rashaan Evans is introduced by Tennessee Titans general manager Jon Robinson, left, head coach Mike Vrabel, right, at a news conference Friday, April 27, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. Evans is the Titans' top pick in the NFL football draft. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Alabama linebacker Rashaan Evans, center, speaks at a news conference as general manager Jon Robinson, left, and head coach Mike Vrabel listen Friday, April 27, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. Evans is the Titans' top pick in the NFL football draft. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Alabama linebacker Rashaan Evans, left, laughs with Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel at a news conference Friday, April 27, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. Evans is the Titans' top pick in the NFL football draft. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
FILE - In this Friday, April 27, 2018 file photo, Alabama linebacker Rashaan Evans speaks at a news conference in Nashville, Tenn. Evans is the Tennessee Titans' top pick in the NFL football draft. The Titans have agreed to terms on a deal with their first-round draft pick LB Rashaan Evans, Tuesday, May 15, 2018. (AP Photo/Wade Payne, File)
Alabama linebacker Rashaan Evans, right, speaks at a news conference as Tennessee Titans general manager Jon Robinson listens Friday, April 27, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. Evans is the Titans' top pick in the NFL football draft. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Alabama linebacker Rashaan Evans poses with his jersey on stage after being selected by the Tennessee Titans during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Alabama's Rashaan Evans poses with his Tennessee Titans jersey during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 26, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Alabama linebacker Rashaan Evans on stage after he is selected by the Tennessee Titans during the 2018 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Perry Knotts via AP)
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Alabama linebacker Rashaan Evans on stage after he is selected by the Tennessee Titans during the 2018 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Commissioner Roger Goodell, left, greets Alabama's Rashaan Evans after he was selected by the Tennessee Titans during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 26, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Alabama linebacker Rashaan Evans on stage after he is selected by the Tennessee Titans during the 2018 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Alabama linebacker Rashaan Evans walks on stage after being selected by the Tennessee Titans during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Alabama linebacker Rashaan Evans in the green room during the 2018 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Alabama linebacker Rashaan Evans in the green room during the 2018 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Commissioner Roger Goodell presents Alabama's Rashaan Evans with his Tennessee Titans team jersey during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 26, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
