Training Camp Center of attention: Velasco shines, Vlachos stuggles vs Falcons

Fernando Velasco started training camp at right guard, competing with Leroy Harris.

He’ll finish it at center, most likely as the team’s starter on opening day against the Patriots.

On Monday, Velasco lined up across a big man in Falcons defensive tackle Jason Babineaux, and held his own.

“I think it helps Fernando a ton,’’ Coach Mike Munchak said of the competition vs. the Falcons. “I think it helps the line, we know the direction we are heading right now and going against other people. So this is the next step and I think this was good for the whole line, good for Fernando. He can get used to (left guard) Steve Hutchinson — he hasn’t been next to him much. So this was good.”

Velasco just started working at center in camp when the team lost Eugene Amano for the season with a triceps injury.

“Today was better than yesterday and tomorrow is going to be better than today,’’ Velasco said on the field at Coahulla Creek High in Dalton, Gla. “It is just getting more comfortable every day playing center and snapping the ball.”

Monday was more of a learning experience for back-up center William Vlachos, who played at Alabama.

Behind Velasco, Kyle DeVan got work with the second team offensive line at center. Vlachos, an undrafted free agent, also worked against the Falcons. He made a pair of errant snaps.

“He hasn’t gotten a lot of work, and that is what happens when all of a sudden he is getting a lot more snaps,’’ Munchak said of Vlachos. “He is getting a little tired, all of a sudden he is playing a lot more than he had in practice. So he is starting to make calls and then all of a sudden you forget, “Oops, I’ve got to go snap the ball” as you are making calls. Sometimes you hurry and it comes out low. But he’ll settle down.”

Source: Titans Insider

Vlachos won't make the team. We'll carry 9 OL - Roos, Stewart, Harris, Hutchinson, Velasco, Otto, Stingily, Durand & Matthews.

I've always liked Velasco and hope he works out at C for us this year. Everythings kinda playing out in our favor.

I wish Amano could heal over night.

Is

Is that a serious statement?

In the limited time I saw Velasco play center I thought it was completely obvious that he was better there than Amano. Just give him a few weeks to be comfortable and we could see some real improvement with our line.

JCBrave should try out for center, he might be a little bit small by conventional standards but if he were to bulk his double chins up a bit he could be a force.

I bet JC is regretting that picture.

Well I hate to see someone get hurt, but this is what we needed. I hope Velasco can be a much better center than Amano. Atleast everyone is moving around on the O-Line to where they are comfortable. I can't wait to see how we do this year!