Cam Ward, the Titans’ first overall draft selection, is quickly solidifying his spot as the club’s leader moving forward. He doesn’t just read through the playbook. What will ultimately determine just how big of a jump he makes this upcoming season is his commitment to mastering those offensive strategies. While Ward continues to figure out his place in the scheme, he wants to develop that rapport with his fellow rookie pass catchers. He’s setting the stage for a unified front.
Ward’s proactive approach has not gone unnoticed. Notably, he’s spending time getting to know everyone in the facility. His previous stops at Incarnate Word, Washington State, and Miami are serving as his compass. His close relationship with Xavier Restrepo, a former Miami teammate, has helped make this transition a lot easier. Now a Titan, Restrepo serves as a warm and welcoming touchstone.
Ward will finally get the chance to face the veteran players—like Allen, Griffin, or Juwan Morgan—when they arrive for training camp on Monday. This kind of interaction is expected to continue to establish his leadership aura around the locker room. Brian Callahan, the Titans’ offensive coordinator, has expressed confidence in Ward’s ability to lead as he becomes more comfortable in his new environment.
At practice on Saturday, Ward was spotted for the first time by local media and it was a pretty exciting scene. His early morning dedication and strong work alongside the green, young group of receivers certainly left everyone impressed. When they meet at the headquarters facility to review film as one, it helps solidify their newfound institutional desire to get better.
Ward’s maturity and leadership was a standout quality, just as Ward’s one of Ward’s rookie teammates Gunnar Helm, would go on to say.
“He’s just a great leader,” – Gunnar Helm
“Cam’s been great working with us receivers.”
Even Ward himself was well aware of the need to create chemistry with his fellow future pros.
“It is me more opening up to my new teammates,” – Cam Ward
While Ward gets comfortable in his new role, he said the focus is on fine-tuning their skills individually and as a unit. Fellow rookie receiver Elic Ayomanor gave a glimpse of the team’s work ethic.
“You’ve just got to get it while it’s hot, so if there’s something wrong with the rep, you just have to run it back and get it right,” – Elic Ayomanor
It’s a great start for Cam Ward of Nashville. His teammates very quickly came to sing his praises, though, which is a pretty strong indicator of such an impressive performance. The evidence of his leadership just oozes from him, to be honest. Coupled with his love for the body contact, they’re sure to be wreaking havoc for Titans’ foes this season.
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