Team

6’3” • 255 lbs • Born: 9.1.84 • Exp. (NFL/Titans): 2/2 • D3–2008 • California

2008 GP/GS: 16/2 (Playoffs 1/0) • Career GP/GS: 16/2 (Playoffs 1/0) • Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif.

PRO: Craig Stevens enters his second NFL season in 2009 and is prepared to increase his role in the Titans offense. Widely considered the best blocking tight end available in the 2008 NFL Draft, he was used as a reserve in that capacity as a rookie in addition to being a special teams contributor. He teams with veterans Alge Crumpler and Bo Scaife in a formidable tight end corps. Prior to entering the NFL, Stevens recorded a 4.59-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. He was drafted by the Titans in the third round (85th overall) in the 2008 NFL Draft.

TITANS TIDBITS:

• He has a younger brother, Eric, who is entering his redshirt freshman year as a fullback at Cal. He has two other brothers, Jeff and Brett, who are firefighters with the L.A. City Fire Department.

• Stevens entered the NFL with one class remaining to obtain his degree in legal studies. He hopes to one day become involved in law enforcement as a detective or FBI agent, following in the footsteps of his father, Mark, a deputy sheriff in L.A. County.

• Stevens switched his jersey number to 19 as a senior at Cal in honor of the late Mario Danelo, a close friend and kicker for the University of Southern California. Danelo, who wore No. 19 for the Trojans, died tragically in January 2007 in the friends’ hometown of San Pedro, Calif.

• Stevens was already familiar with the Nashville area before getting drafted by the Titans. He prepared for the scouting combine at D1 Sports Training in Franklin, Tenn.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:

2008 (16/2, 1/0): As team’s only rookie to play every game, earned two starts as second tight end. Recorded one reception for nine yards and also tied for fifth on the team with 10 special teams tackles.

• Against Jacksonville (9/7), made NFL debut as reserve tight end in season opener.

• Against Green Bay (11/2), made first NFL start at tight end.

• At Indianapolis (12/28), started at tight end and snared first career NFL reception on nine-yard pass.

COLLEGE:

• At Cal, was mainstay on Bears offense, appearing in 50 games (33 starts) in four seasons, one game shy of school record. His superior ability as a pass protector, run blocker and receiver helped him earn honorable mention All-Pac 10 honors after his sophomore and senior seasons and second-team All-Pac 10 following his junior year. Statistical totals included 51 receptions for 669 yards and seven touchdowns.

• As senior (2007), named honorable mention All-Pac 10 and was recipient of team's Frank J. Schlessinger Coaches award, given to player who demonstrates outstanding athletic ability, academic success and community service. Also earned Cort Majors award as offensive team captain. Started all 13 games and recorded 17 receptions for 204 yards (12.0 avg.) and three touchdowns.

• As junior (2006), named second-team All-Pac 10 after totaling 17 receptions for 239 yards and one touchdown in 13 games (seven starts). Received team's Cort Majors Captain award.

• As sophomore (2005), started every game and earned All-Pac 10 honorable mention recognition. Finished fifth on squad with 13 receptions for 165 yards and two touchdowns.

• As freshman (2004), played in every game and tallied one start, finishing season with four receptions for 61 yards and one touchdown. Earned Academic All-Pac 10 honorable mention.

• Redshirted in 2003 and earned Scout Team Player of the Year.

• Majored in legal studies.

PERSONAL:

• Single, splits time between Nashville and San Pedro, Calif.

• Played tight end and linebacker at Palos Verdes Peninsula (Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif.) High School. As senior, named All-CIF, All-Area and team's Defensive Player of the Year after recording 127 tackles and four touchdown receptions.

• Cousin, Mike Tully, won silver medal in pole vault at 1984 Summer Olympics.

• List of favorites: (movies) “Legends of the Fall” and “Dumb and Dumber”; (TV show) “Lost”; (music) country, rock and roll, classic rock; (school subject) law classes; (books) mystery novels; (video game) Guitar Hero; (sports teams other than Titans) Oakland Athletics and Golden State Warriors; and (food) cheeseburgers, steak and potatoes.

• Born Craig Chase Stevens on Sept. 1, 1984 in San Pedro, Calif.