Julius Chestnut

PRO: The Titans signed Julius Chestnut as an undrafted free agent following the 2022 NFL Draft to provide depth to the running back rotation. The 5-foot-11-inch, 228-pounder possesses excellent play strength as a bigger-bodied running back and also adds value on special teams. In 2023, he appeared in the first three games of the season before suffering a season-ending injury. He appeared in six games as a rookie in 2022, recording nine rushing attempts for 12 yards, three receptions for 41 yards while returning 10 kickoffs for 215 yards. The Bowie, Md., native logged 593 carries for 3,467 yards (5.8-yard avg.) and 29 touchdowns over four seasons at Sacred Heart (2018-21).

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
• As a rookie in 2022, Chestnut saw action in six contests and rushed nine times for 12 yards, caught three passes for 41 yards and returned 10 kickoffs for 215 yards.
• In 2021, Chestnut averaged 205.2 all-purpose yards per contest, which ranked first in the FCS.
• As a sophomore in 2019, Chestnut set career-highs with 293 carries for 1,495 yards and 11 touchdowns. His 1,495 rushing yards were the second-most in program history and third-most in the nation.

TITANS TIDBITS:
• While at Sacred Heart, Chestnut interned for the school's athletic department and assisted with statistical analysis, marketing, and ticket sales.
• His father, Keith, owns a landscaping company. Throughout high school and college summer breaks, Chestnut would wake up at 5 a.m. to help load trucks and lay mulch.
• Despite having the opportunity to enter the transfer portal and play for a larger program, Chestnut chose to remain at FCS-level Sacred Heart because of his relationships at the school and within the program. "Everybody thinks about it," Chestnut said. "But I was like, why would I leave a place where people love me and care about me? If I left, would I get the same love that I get here? I don't think so. The coaches care about me — and I care about them, as well. I've made a lot of good friends here, met a lot of good people, and there are a lot of connections I can make in the outside world from here. So I was like, no — no way I can do that."
• In 2022, Chestnut became the second player from Sacred Heart University to appear in an NFL game, joining former Bills defensive back Jon Corto (2008-10).

CAREER TRANSACTIONS:
• The Bowie, Md., native was signed by the Titans as an undrafted free agent on May 13, 2022.
• Waived by the Titans on Oct. 1, 2022 and signed to the team's practice squad two days later.
• Activated from the practice squad to the active roster standard elevation on Dec. 3, 2022.
• Activated from the practice squad to the active roster standard elevation on Dec. 10, 2022.
• Signed by the Titans to their active roster from the practice squad on Dec. 17, 2022.

COLLEGE:
• Appeared in 32 games over four seasons at Sacred Heart (2018-21) and logged 593 carries for 3,467 yards (5.8-yard avg.), including a career-long 86-yard carry, with 29 touchdowns. Made 28 receptions for 412 yards (14.7-yard avg.) and five scores. Added 10 kick returns for 108 yards and two punt returns for 10 yards.
• As a senior (2021), played in five games and posted 91 rushes for 542 yards (6.0-yard avg.) and three touchdowns. Recorded a season-long rush of 39 yards. Caught two passes for 15 yards.
• As a junior (2020), appeared in four games and rushed 93 times for 717 yards (7.7-yard avg.) and eight scores. Posted a season-long rush of 69 yards and averaged 205.2 all-purpose yards per contest which led the FCS. Added eight catches for 171 yards and three touchdowns including a career-long 60-yard reception. Earned first-team All-American recognition by AP and FCS. Named Northeast Conference Offensive Player of the Year.
• As a sophomore (2019), saw action in 12 games and set career-highs with 293 carries for 1,495 yards and 11 touchdowns. His 1,495 rushing yards were the second-most in program history and third-most in the nation. Logged a career-long 86-yard rush. Also caught a career-high 14 passes for a career-best 179 yards and two scores and added two punt returns for 10 yards. Earned third-team All-American recognition by AP and first-team All-NEC honors. Recorded 100-yard rushing games in nine contests.
• As a freshman (2018), played in 11 games and rushed 116 times for 713 yards with seven touchdowns. Rushed for a season-long gain of 75 yards. Made four catches for 47 yards and added 10 kick returns for 108 yards including a long of 29 yards. Also made six tackles and one forced fumble on defense. Named the NEC Offensive Rookie of the Year
• Graduated from Sacred Heart in May 2022 with a degree in economics.

PERSONAL:
• Attended Archbishop Spalding (Md.) High School where he carried the ball 133 times for 817 yards and 13 touchdowns as a senior.
• Son of Nichelle and Keith Chestnut.
• Has one older sister, Torri.
• Follow Chestnut on Instagram at @j.chestnut7 and on X at @juliuschestnut.
• Born Julius Chestnut on Oct. 26, 2000 in Bowie, Md.