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Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

Tennessee Titans running back room already taking shape as Tyjae Spears and Tony Pollard take field at OTAs

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Travis May | Last updated 5/21/24

When a franchise legend like Derrick Henry departs it's obviously going to impact the running back room in a massive way. However, Titans general manager Ran Carthon has made sure that the transition should be an easy one this offseason as the running back group looks significantly different in 2024.

Returning star running back Tyjae Spears, free agent signing Tony Pollard, and a handful of other capable runners were participating in OTAs this Tuesday as the new look Titans backfield has begun to take shape.

Tyjae Spears and Tony Pollard lead the way

Early on in running back drills on Tuesday Tyjae Spears would often lead the group receiving handoffs from Will Levis, followed closely by Tony Pollard. But then later in practice Pollard saw some earlier work in various 7-on-7 looks and additional activities too. It's clear those two are going to be a true one-two punch for the Titans this fall.

Will Levis Tyjae Spears
Mason Rudolph Tony Pollard#Titans OTAs pic.twitter.com/d64BtM5Xpl
— AtoZ Sports Nashville (@AtoZSports) May 21, 2024

Beyond those two running backs, the competition for RB3 looks wide open early in OTAs. Jabari Small, Dillon Johnson, and Hassan Haskins would all three take turns leading the way with the second or third team quarterbacks in Mason Rudolph and Malik Willis. The Titans haven't tipped their hand as to which one of those running backs sticks in the most meaningful third running back role just yet, so it will continue to be a positional battle worth watching as OTAs progress.

Regardless of which running back wins that third running back role, it seems the team is in a good spot with their depth at the position early on.

Spears and Pollard comparison

Tony Pollard met with Austin Stanley of A to Z Sports today after practice and talked through some of the fun "night and day" differences and similarities between he and Spears as you can see in the post below.

Tony Pollard says he and Tyjae Spears are “night and day” off the field, but very similar on it #Titans pic.twitter.com/ZvdRkt2Hnf
— AtoZ Sports Nashville (@AtoZSports) May 21, 2024

"Personality, it's almost night and day. I'm more of a chill, laid back guy. Tyjae's the loud outspoken one...On the field we got a lot of similarities...it's going to be a nice one-two punch...He's just energetic...playful."

It's fun to get a peak behind the curtain as to the personalities of both Pollard and Spears. Pollard certainly has a calm about him. Spears, perhaps not. But on the field, as we outlined here this spring when Pollard was first signed, the two running backs have an uncanny amount in common.

Both Spears and Pollard are sub-210 pound running backs with great elusiveness and explosion. Both force a missed tackle on over 21% of their career carries. They both see almost exactly 31% of their career rushing yardage come on explosive plays of over 15 yards. Plus, Pollard and Spears each caught over 50 receptions last season too.

As the season progresses the Titans should be able to use both Spears and Pollard interchangeably without tipping their hand as to what the play call might be (unlike when Derrick Henry was a Titan). But will there be a third running back who steps up to share the load with the dynamic duo? We'll be back with more on that in the coming weeks as OTAs and Mandatory Minicamp continue.

Be looking for more Tennessee Titans coverage here at A to Z Sports all year long! Follow me (@FF_TravisM) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest football news!

And if you want to watch some Tony Pollard highlights from last year to see just how similar he plays to Tyjae Spears you can check out the video below!