Former Tulane RB Tyjae Spears taken in the third round by Titans

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Tulane running back Tyjae Spears was selected 81st overall by the Tennessee Titans in the third round of the NFL Draft.

Spears, a Ponchatoula native, had a breakout year in 2022. In 13 games this season, he rushed for 1,528 yards and 19 touchdowns. Spears averaged nearly 118 rushing yards per game.

The former Ponchatoula High standout’s talent was on full display against USC in this season’s Cotton Bowl. Spears put up 205 rushing yards along with four touchdowns. He earned the Cotton Bowl’s offensive MVP award.

At the Senior Bowl, his draft stock continued to rise. He was one of the most impressive prospects throughout the week in practice.

Spears is the highest-drafted member of the Green Wave since Matt Forte was drafted in the second round in 2008.

Spears’ Tulane teammate Dorian Williams was drafted shortly after by the Buffalo Bills at 91st overall.

Williams led the Green Wave with 131 total tackles. He also had two interceptions on the year.

The 6′2 linebacker was named the defensive MVP of the Cotton Bowl after helping to lead the Green Wave to a win over USC. He had a team-high 17 total tackles against the Trojans.

Williams is the first Tulane linebacker to be drafted since Anthony Cannon in 2006.

See a spelling or grammar error in our story? Click Here to report it. Please include the headline.

Copyright 2023 WVUE. All rights reserved.