Tulane running back Tyjae Spears has been one of the bigger draft risers since the calendar flipped to 2023. After torching USC for 205 rushing yards and four touchdowns in their Cotton Bowl matchup, the nifty Green Wave RB turned in a sensational Senior Bowl week in Mobile.
Spears didn’t do every drill at the NFL Scouting Combine, but the 5-10 back did thrive in both the vertical (39″) and broad jumps (10’5″). On Thursday, Spears opted to run the much-anticipated 40-yard dash at Tulane’s pro day.
Scouts in attendance clocked Spears as fast as 4.47 in the 40, though that’s an unofficial time. It’s a good time for the 200-pounder, who did not have issues running away from defenders in space while playing in Yulman Stadium in college.
Spears acknowledged meeting with or having meetings scheduled with the New York Giants, Tennessee Titans, Atlanta Falcons, Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars. He will participate in the New Orleans Saints’ local pro day as well. Saints RB coach Joel Thomas ran Spears’ workout at the pro day.
All 32 teams were represented at Tulane’s pro day, which also featured an impressive workout by LBs Nick Anderson and Dorian Williams. Like Spears, Williams also had an impressive Senior Bowl week. LB coaches from several teams, including the Steelers, Jets, Cowboys and Bengals, watched the duo enthusiastically show what they offer for NFL teams.