NASHVILLE, Tenn. —Caleb Azubike would love to spend his entire playing career – high school, football, and the NFL -- in Nashville.
In fact, after playing at Nashville's McGavock High, Azubike chose to play collegiately at Vanderbilt, in part, so he could keep the possibility alive.
"To be able to play high school football, college football, and in the pros in Nashville, it wasn't necessarily the main reason I went to Vandy, but something I always had in the back of my mind,'' Azubike said. "Just to be able to spend my playing days in Nashville, in one town, in one city, with all my friends and well-wishers.
"It would be a dream if it could continue with the Titans, and something I would really appreciate."
Area draft prospects work out for Titans coaches and scouts at Saint Thomas Sports Park. (Photos: Gary Glenn)
Azubike, who played outside linebacker and defensive end at Vanderbilt, had his chance show out on Friday. He was one of 15 local prospects to work out in front of Titans officials at Saint Thomas Sports Park.
Azubike went through drills conducted by Titans linebackers coach Lou Spanos.
"I thought it went amazing,'' said the 6-foot-4, 250-pound Azubike. "I felt like I came here and put my skills on the line and I was able to show off my athleticism and my versatility, being able to play the 3-4 linebacker as well as a (4-3) defensive end. I think I was able to show the coaches what type of player I am on the field, and in the classroom as well. I felt like I had a great day out here.
"Whatever team gives me an opportunity, hopefully even here, just to say I can play both positions, I hope that helps."
Azubike said he was thrilled to meet Titans defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau.
"He is literally one of the greats,'' Azubike, who recorded 15 sacks in four seasons at Vandy, said of LeBeau. "He's a living legend on football, a guy that's been in the game since 1959, non-stop. I have followed him since he was with the Steelers and always thought he was a great defensive mind.
"Coach LeBeau, he is so impressive. You can see the leadership, and how much better the Titans got after he came over last year, it was night and day almost. Talking to a guy like coach LeBeau, it was like a dream come true for me."
Tennessee State offensive lineman Shaq Anthony was also among the local players taking part in Friday's workout.
"I am just happy to get the opportunity to showcase some of my abilities,'' Anthony said. "I had a knee injury, so a lot of coaches have been looking at that and following that, and I wanted to show them my knee was strong and ready to go."
Anthony, who began his college career at Clemson before transferring, said his experience at TSU helped him develop more in the run game as a blocker. He believes NFL scouts envision him as a guard.
While in Nashville, he also got to play alongside former TSU lineman Robert "Snacks" Myers, a draft pick by the Ravens last season who ended the season on Denver's practice squad. Myers was with the Broncos for their Super Bowl run.
"It's very inspiring to see Snacks have success,'' Anthony said. "I hope I can put myself in position to have success myself."
