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Sirmon could be a cap casualty
http://www.titansonline.com/news/titans_ne....php?PRKey=3909
Hard-hitting Tulloch opening eyes of coaches
By Craig Tapper
Titans Online
Tulloch (55) has been making some of the biggest hits so far in training camp.
CLARKSVILLE, TN, Aug. 3, 2006 -- When the Tennessee Titans selected Stephen Tulloch in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft, they knew they were adding long-term depth at the middle linebacker position and likely an immediate contributor on special teams.
Yet, when Tulloch strapped on the pads during training camp, it became apparent that he had the athletic ability and football savvy to vie for significant playing time as a rookie.
Tulloch joins a talented and experienced group, including outside linebackers Keith Bulluck and David Thornton. Peter Sirmon, who was switched to middle linebacker during the off-season, is currently slated as the starter, but Tulloch is unwilling to concede the job without a fight.
“I'm competing for a starting spot right now,” Tulloch said Thursday. “Coaches said just keep doing what I'm doing. As time goes on, hopefully I can separate myself, but for now we're just competing.”
Tulloch was familiar with competition during his collegiate days at North Carolina State. Last season, he was one of many talented defenders for the Wolfpack that ended up landing in the 2006 NFL Draft. In fact, three members of the N.C. State defensive line were selected in the first round, including Mario Williams, the first overall pick who went to the Houston Texans.
During his college career, Tulloch compiled impressive numbers. In 2005, he tallied 150 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, six sacks, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. Yet, given the talent surrounding him, Tulloch’s ability was often overshadowed.
He is starting at ground zero in the NFL, forced to prove himself once again, but so far he has emerged as a legitimate option at linebacker, already earning the respect of his new teammates.
“I think he's progressing well,” said Bulluck. “He's into it. He has very good reads for a young guy. As a middle linebacker you have to be instinctive. He seems to do that naturally. N.C. State had a terrific defense last year and I hope he brings some of those qualities to this team.”
Besides impressing Bulluck, Tulloch has also caught the eyes of his coaches. Dave McGinnis, who coaches the team’s linebackers, is confident that Tulloch has the makeup to become a productive player in the NFL.
“He's progressing well,” McGinnis said. “The thing that I like about Stephen is that he's very instinctive, he's very quick. He's got a good feel for behind the line of scrimmage, how to read blocking schemes, and how to get to the football.”
Perhaps what has impressed both coaches and fans the most is Tulloch’s hard hitting ability.
“Stephen Tulloch knows how to use his pads,” head coach Jeff Fisher said. “That’s becoming more and more evident each day.”
Tulloch credits his intangibles and intense work ethic as the major factors behind his tackling prowess.
“I bring my instincts,” Tulloch said. “I can read a play very fast and get downhill very fast. I'm a hard worker. I never stop working and finish everything I do. I love hitting, that's my game. I use my leverage to my advantage.”
While the coaching staff is pleased with what they’ve seen out of Tulloch so far, his maturation into a standout NFL linebacker is just beginning.
“I'm going to keep pressing him very hard,” McGinnis said. “I'm only trying to make him better. He's a guy that really wants to be good. This guy's got natural instincts. Now, he's got to learn how to become a National Football League linebacker, and that's an ongoing process.”
http://www.titansonline.com/news/titans_ne....php?PRKey=3909
Hard-hitting Tulloch opening eyes of coaches
By Craig Tapper
Titans Online
Tulloch (55) has been making some of the biggest hits so far in training camp.
CLARKSVILLE, TN, Aug. 3, 2006 -- When the Tennessee Titans selected Stephen Tulloch in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft, they knew they were adding long-term depth at the middle linebacker position and likely an immediate contributor on special teams.
Yet, when Tulloch strapped on the pads during training camp, it became apparent that he had the athletic ability and football savvy to vie for significant playing time as a rookie.
Tulloch joins a talented and experienced group, including outside linebackers Keith Bulluck and David Thornton. Peter Sirmon, who was switched to middle linebacker during the off-season, is currently slated as the starter, but Tulloch is unwilling to concede the job without a fight.
“I'm competing for a starting spot right now,” Tulloch said Thursday. “Coaches said just keep doing what I'm doing. As time goes on, hopefully I can separate myself, but for now we're just competing.”
Tulloch was familiar with competition during his collegiate days at North Carolina State. Last season, he was one of many talented defenders for the Wolfpack that ended up landing in the 2006 NFL Draft. In fact, three members of the N.C. State defensive line were selected in the first round, including Mario Williams, the first overall pick who went to the Houston Texans.
During his college career, Tulloch compiled impressive numbers. In 2005, he tallied 150 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, six sacks, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. Yet, given the talent surrounding him, Tulloch’s ability was often overshadowed.
He is starting at ground zero in the NFL, forced to prove himself once again, but so far he has emerged as a legitimate option at linebacker, already earning the respect of his new teammates.
“I think he's progressing well,” said Bulluck. “He's into it. He has very good reads for a young guy. As a middle linebacker you have to be instinctive. He seems to do that naturally. N.C. State had a terrific defense last year and I hope he brings some of those qualities to this team.”
Besides impressing Bulluck, Tulloch has also caught the eyes of his coaches. Dave McGinnis, who coaches the team’s linebackers, is confident that Tulloch has the makeup to become a productive player in the NFL.
“He's progressing well,” McGinnis said. “The thing that I like about Stephen is that he's very instinctive, he's very quick. He's got a good feel for behind the line of scrimmage, how to read blocking schemes, and how to get to the football.”
Perhaps what has impressed both coaches and fans the most is Tulloch’s hard hitting ability.
“Stephen Tulloch knows how to use his pads,” head coach Jeff Fisher said. “That’s becoming more and more evident each day.”
Tulloch credits his intangibles and intense work ethic as the major factors behind his tackling prowess.
“I bring my instincts,” Tulloch said. “I can read a play very fast and get downhill very fast. I'm a hard worker. I never stop working and finish everything I do. I love hitting, that's my game. I use my leverage to my advantage.”
While the coaching staff is pleased with what they’ve seen out of Tulloch so far, his maturation into a standout NFL linebacker is just beginning.
“I'm going to keep pressing him very hard,” McGinnis said. “I'm only trying to make him better. He's a guy that really wants to be good. This guy's got natural instincts. Now, he's got to learn how to become a National Football League linebacker, and that's an ongoing process.”
