NASHVILLE – The Titans selected Tulane running back Tyjae Spears in the third round of Friday night's NFL Draft.
Spears was taken with the 81st overall pick.
"It's been amazing, seeing my name get picked and also (being able) to spend time celebrating with my family," Spears said on Saturday morning. "I am actually going to pick up some Titans jerseys (right now). We have one more party today, and I want to pick up some Titans jerseys to represent my team."
Spears ran for 1,581 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2022 for the Green Wave, averaging 6.9 yards per carry. He also caught 22 passes for 256 yards and two touchdowns. Spears had a big game in the Cotton Bowl against USC, when he ran for 202 yards and four touchdowns. He was named the Cotton Bowl MVP after the team's win.
"He's a three-down runner," Titans General Manager Ran Carthon said of Spears. "He can run between the tackles. He's elusive, and he can make guys miss as well as contribute in the passing game. He catches the ball well out of the backfield, is a good route-runner. Just another guy who can do it all for us, and you can put him in the game in any situation."
In four college seasons, Spears ran for 2,910 yards and 31 touchdowns while also catching 48 passes for 564 yards and three scores.
Spears was the 2022 American Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year, when he tied for the FBS lead with 21 scrimmage touchdowns.
"He played a lot of really productive snaps," Titans coach Mike Vrabel said of Spears. "He didn't miss much time at all. He was a full participant throughout the week at the Senior Bowl. I think both of us are comfortable with where we're at with Tyjae and what his availability will be moving forward."
The Titans selected Tulane running back Tyjae Spears in the third round of Friday night's NFL Draft.
Tulane running back Tyjae Spears carries for a touchdown against Southern Methodist cornerback Sam Westfall (26) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in New Orleans, Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Tulane running back Tyjae Spears (22) runs with the ball as Southern California defensive lineman Nick Figueroa (99) defends during the first half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA college football game, Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Hodde)
Tulane running back Tyjae Spears (22) runs the ball past Memphis linebacker Xavier Cullens (8) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in New Orleans, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt, left, hands the ball off to running back Tyjae Spears during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Cincinnati, Friday, Nov. 25, 2022, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Tulane running back Tyjae Spears (22) carries the ball for a touchdown during an NCAA college football game against Cincinnati, Friday, Nov. 25, 2022, in Cincinnati. Tulane won 27-24. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Tulane running back Tyjae Spears (22) carries the ball for a touchdown during an NCAA college football game against Cincinnati, Friday, Nov. 25, 2022, in Cincinnati. Tulane won 27-24. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Tulane running back Tyjae Spears (22) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Memphis in New Orleans, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
