NASHVILLE – Carnell Tate arrived in Tennessee with high expectations from fans, and himself.
But the Titans rookie receiver is hardly feeling the pressure.
"Pressure comes from doing good things all the time," Tate said as he wrapped up OTAs and minicamp with the team. "I am used to it – I played at Ohio State. I played at the highest level. So, I am just going to go out there and continue to be who I am, and just go play football at the highest level."
In OTAs, Tate shined on the field with a number of spectacular plays, from one-handed grabs to contested catches in traffic.
In the seven open sessions, Tate caught 17 passes.
Behind the scenes, Tate impressed his coaches as well.
"Young player, still learning, but he's smart," offensive coordinator Brian Daboll said of Tate. "He's got good ball skills. Everything we saw on tape at Ohio State, he's come in, he's acclimated himself well, as all the rookies have. He's doing what's required right now, and he's doing a nice job. Really like the kid, his personality, his demeanor. For a young player, we've thrown a lot at these guys, and he's picked it up extremely well. I've done this for a long time. In terms of picking it up, he's been one of the top of the skill positions."
Tate (6-2, 192) caught 121 passes for 1,872 yards with 14 touchdowns in three seasons at Ohio State while playing in 39 games, with 27 starts. He caught 51 passes for 875 yards (17.2-yard average) and nine touchdowns in 2025.
Tate was a second-team Associated Press All-American in 2025, and a first-team All-Big Ten Conference performer.
Tate said he's used the past few months to pick the brains of his veteran teammates at the receiver position, and some of the defensive backs as well. He's become fast friends with quarterback Cam Ward.
In the coming weeks, Tate said his biggest focus is on understanding the playbook even better, along with staying in shape so he'll be ready to hit the ground running in camp.
"The more you know," Tate said, "the better it is for you. That way you are not out there thinking. The more I study, the more confidence I have in my game, and that allows me to play fast."
His mission when training camp begins in July: Keep making plays.
"I didn't surprise myself at all," Tate said of his performance so far. "At the end of the day it is just football, it is just going out there to do what I do best. As receivers, we get paid to catch the ball.
"It's been pretty much: Keep balling, keep making plays, just keep being yourself."
