If Tennessee Titans 2023 undrafted free-agent signing and linebacker Otis Reese IV had a fan club, head coach Mike Vrabel would probably be the president.
Reese, who played his college ball at Ole Miss, has apparently impressed Vrabel quite a bit during the offseason, and in particular when it comes to special teams, which is the fastest way to Vrabes’ heart.
Don’t believe me? Just look at what Vrabel, who seemed downright giddy over Reese, had to say about him after practice on Friday.
“I cannot wait to watch O-T-I-S in that preseason game and playing fast,” Vrabel said. “When he triggers — he triggered yesterday in the bubble and came through — there’s a level of play speed that when he is sure of where he’s going, is pretty cool.
“Excited for him to be able to go out there and play fast and see where he can find a role on special teams and watch him cover some kicks and watch him play on the punt return, and all those good things.”
To back up Vrabel’s praise, Jim Wyatt of Titans Online noted in his practice observations from Thursday that Reese stood out.
Linebacker Otis Reese IV nearly came up with an interception in 7-on-7s, and he blew up a reverse by being in the right spot. It was also good day for Otis.
Normally, we definitely take note of praise from a coach but don’t look too deep into it. However, this kind of enthusiastic endorsement from Vrabel is definitely more noteworthy than most and now makes Reese someone to keep a closer eye on moving forward.
The Titans have quite a crowded linebackers room with guys like Azeez Al-Shaair, Monty Rice, Jack Gibbens, Luke Gifford, Ben Niemann and Chance Campbell — and the team only figures to carry four, maybe five.
Reese still has an uphill climb in making the cut, but perhaps it isn’t an steep as we once thought.
"I cannot wait to watch @otisreese7 in a preseason game"
HC Mike Vrabel has high praise for rookie LB Otis Reese pic.twitter.com/kenHzllVNV
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) August 4, 2023
