Titans' Amani Hooker: Adding CBs L'Jarius Sneed, Chidobe Awuzie means 'I am able to do my job now'

There’s a lot of newness around Tennessee, but one steady piece in the Titans’ secondary through the recent changes has been veteran Amani Hooker.

As one of the longest-serving members of the Titans, the safety is preparing for his sixth season this fall. Having been with the team through highs and lows over the past five years under the leadership of previous head coach Mike Vrabel, Hooker is now looking forward to the new era under Brian Callahan. He is particularly excited about Callahan’s “aggressive” defense strategy and the prospect of playing alongside his new, young teammates on the field.

Most important among the defensive changes are the additions of cornerbacks L’Jarius Sneed and Chidobe Awuzie, a pair of high-value players who should elevate a Titans secondary that struggled often in 2023 and lost three starters this offseason.

Sneed was acquired via trade fresh off of his second straight Super Bowl win with the Chiefs, and signed a four-year deal with the Titans. Awuzie, who spent the last three seasons with the Bengals and Callahan, also signed a three-year deal.

The inclusion of the duo is expected to significantly improve the Titans’ pass defense, which was ranked 18th last year in terms of yards allowed. Hooker stated that they are already setting a positive example for the rest of the team, indicating a promising future for the team’s success.

“We have two dogs — we have Chido and Sneed out there,” Hooker said recently, via the team website. “I can’t wait to go full speed with them, with the pads on. I have been watching them make plays for the other team against us, so I am excited that they’re on our team now and it’s going to be a lot of fun.

These individuals have demonstrated their capability to be in the correct position to execute the plays. When I’m on the field, I can now perform my role and begin looking for plays as they approach me. Being aware that there are aggressive players out there instills in me, as a safety, the same mindset they possess, which I can then incorporate into our defense.

Hooker considers it his duty as the most experienced member of his position group to assist others in adapting to the recent personnel and strategy changes this offseason, even if the scheme is as unfamiliar to him as it is to everyone else.

“Accountability is key for me too,” said Hooker. “Everything is new to me – a new style, a new defense, a new scheme. Just like the rest, I am also learning. My responsibility, though, is to ensure everyone’s learning progresses steadily and that we’re doing it collectively as a team.”

Hooker, Sneed, Awuzie and Co. will take the field when players report to training camp on July 23, giving fans a first glimpse at the potential of this new-look secondary.