Velasco still in Titans center mix

Fernando Velasco has been mentioned prominently in the mix at right guard for the Tennessee Titans.

Velasco is alternating with Leroy Harris at the right guard spot in camp and is one of the challengers for that place in the lineup.

But Velasco said he has spoken to head coach Mike Munchak and offensive line coach Bruce Matthews, and that he still figures into the mix at center as well.

For most of the off-season and in the early portion of training camp, the center position has been split between Eugene Amano and Kevin Matthews.
But Velasco is still a part of the equation and says he is staying ready for when his chance in the middle comes in camp and preseason.

“I'm going to be a center also. I spoke with Munch and Bruce, and I don't know if it's going to be a matter of the next couple of days or couple of weeks, but I'm going to be playing some center also,” Velasco said. “If it's not in the first preseason game, then definitely by the second preseason game, I would assume. I've still been in all the center meetings, taking snaps with all the centers and staying on top of all my center stuff, so whenever my name is called at center, I can be ready.”

Coach Mike Munchak confirmed that Velasco will soon be getting reps at center as well, seeing action with the first, second and third lines at that position.

Velasco was a center his senior season at Georgia after having played guard for the three seasons before that. He said playing center and both guard spots is probably the reason he is in the NFL right now.

“I probably wouldn't be here now if I couldn't play all three spots,” Velasco said.

For an undrafted free agent who first came to the Titans in 2008 and languished on the practice squad and then as a backup, having a chance to compete for a starting role is as good as it gets.

“For a guy like me, it's fine. As athletes, that's all we want to do is have a chance to compete. That's the fun part about it is getting a chance to compete. For me it doesn't matter what position, I just want to play,” he said. “I don't want to be picky. I'll let them decide that. With all the guys they've got playing both positions, I think they're going to mix and match them and see what the best combination is. I'm not picky, I just want to be part of the five.”