Locker has spent the last 10 days in Nashville

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)?aThe Tennessee Titans havent observed much of rookie quarterback Jake Locker(notes). Thats not stopping his new teammates from thinking the eighth pick general might be their starter when the NFL starts enjoying once more.

Locker worked out with his new teammates Thursday inside a 2nd straight player-organized minicamp at a local substantial college as the NFL lockout continues. Hes created a sizeable impression on Tennessee veterans in just two days, such as Thursday when he finished eight of 12 passes.

He is a superb football player. I can see it currently, Titans left guard Leroy Harris(notes) stated. The faster we get back again to practices, he is heading to become the general leader. I think physically he's ready (to start). All he needs to do is make sure he learns the plays. He has all the equipment to become our franchise quarterback.

The 6-foot-3, 231-pound Locker spoke with reporters Wednesday but politely declined to speak Thursday when about forty Titans worked out for nearly two hours at Father Ryan High.

Locker has spent the last 10 days in Nashville remaining with broad receiver Damian Williams(notes) and working out at nearby high college and college fields. Locker was expected to return to his house state of Washington later on Thursday.

The majority of Lockers passes had been quick, short tosses. When he went downfield a couple times, the passes had been incomplete. His second throw of much more than 20 yards went high and deflected off Williams fingers because the receiver heading into his second yr as being a pro took the blame for dropping the pass.

While praise was high for Locker, veteran broad receiver Nate Washington(notes) was a little more hesitant in his evaluation.

He includes a nice arm on him, but it will be a various story when the coaches get out here, critiquing, get him heading about this, Washington said.

Then that is when we will truly have the ability to evaluate him. I dont really think you can step out here on this little practice and know whether or not he is heading to become the best or not heading to be great at all. The very best thing we have with Jake will be the mindset that he is comfy us. He's coming in here knowing that he's intended to be right here.

Locker, Rusty Smith(notes) and Brett Ratliff(notes) all took snaps at quarterback. Smith will enter his 2nd yr with the group, and the sixth-round choose will be the only other quarterback presently around the roster with Locker.

The Titans plan to cut ties with Vince Young(notes) once the lockout concludes both by trading him or just releasing him. Veteran Kerry Collins(notes) could return to assist mentor Locker, but retirement following 17 seasons may be considered a more powerful option for the 38-year-old veteran.

It is my job to assist this team get better, Smith said. If that indicates helping Jake get much better so he could be ready whenever the season comes, that's my part. But dont think for a second Im not heading to try to obtain the starting task. Im not among those men who is heading to be bitter concerning the situation. Im extremely pleased to be playing football for my task.

Broad receivers Justin Gage(notes) and Kenny Britt(notes) had been among the notable no-shows on Thursday, together with linebacker Will Witherspoon(notes). Britt hasn't been in attendance both day, busy back house in New Jersey with legal troubles.

The Titans top receiver Britt pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge Tuesday from a previous arrest. The first-round choose out of Rutgers in 2009 was arrested once more Wednesday and arrested for resisting arrest after two plainclothes officers suspected he was carrying a marijuana cigar.

It would have definitely been great for him to become here. This is a place he was intended to be, Washington stated. But I dont know the scenario. He continues to be getting a great deal heading on. It's unfortunate, but simultaneously it happens. He's dealing with these issues, staying near to his family members. He is attempting to straighten his head out.