Tough Titan: It's like Groundhog Day

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

The same old, same old might get boring to some, but not Ryan Durand.

Durand, a rookie 7th-round draft pick by the Tennessee Titans, is once again going through the same routine during Organized Team Activities (OTAs).

"It's been the same setup ... it's pretty standard," Durand said. "You get used to a routine which is nice. It's very exciting."

Durand and the Titans have participated in OTAs on Tuesday and Wednesday and will do it again today. They'll do it all over again next week, before getting a nice break in preparation for Training Camp on July 31.

When OTAs finish next week, Durand will head back home. He won't be sitting around and doing nothing, however.

The offensive guard will train four days a week for roughly 2 1/3 to 3 hours per day at Mike Boyle's Strength & Conditioning in Boston, and also do extra running on the side. 

"I started working out with him in December," Durand said.

Since Durand was drafted, he's been impressed with how quick everyone is on the football field.

"The speed of the game is much higher than in college, and I'm getting used to it," Durand said. "That's the biggest difference I've seen -- everyone is quick."

Plus the competition level has risen in the NFL.

"It's been good," Durand said. "The competition is good; I really enjoy it."

It may be the same routine, but Durand is just fine with it. 

His main concern is simply making the team.