‘A positive performance’: Former C-SC standout Rupcich battles for starting spot with Titans

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Andrew Rupcich’s focus and determination have never changed, even as the circumstances around him have evolved.

That’s why the former Culver-Stockton College All-American offensive lineman is in a position to challenge for a starting spot at right guard for the Tennessee Titans.

Last week, the Titans released their first unofficial depth chart of training camp with Rupcich listed as the backup at left guard. However, two days later, the expected starter at right guard — Saahdiq Charles — informed the team he was retiring and the Titans placed him on the reserve/retired list.

It opened a door for the 6-foot-6, 318-pound Rupcich.

He took snaps with the first-team offense at right guard during practices last week and saw considerable action during Saturday’s preseason opener against the San Francisco 49ers, which the Titans won 17-13.

In fact, according to Pro Football Focus, Rupcich had the best performance of any player on the Titans’ offense, grading out at 87.4. Last season, Rupcich made two starts and played in four games, taking 208 total snaps and posted a 58.4 overall Pro Football Focus grade — 68.6 in pass blocking and 54.9 in run blocking. Rupcich surrendered five pressures, including one sack, in his four games last season.

According to Jim Wyatt, senior writer/editor for TennesseeTitans.com, Titans coach Bill Callahan said during his Sunday press conference “It was a good game for (Rupcich), a positive performance.”

Check out what Rupcich had to say following a mid-week practice last week: