#And Tyler and Josh while I adore them haven’t done that yet

[sunkissedliterarylightofchrist]

Why You Should Listen to Now, Not Yet by half•alive and how it’s the Greatest Allegorical Album

The album tells a wonderful story about what becoming and then living as a Christian looks like. The story goes like:

Life Hurts -> We See Our Condition -> We Want to Run From It -> We Can't Improve Alone -> Seeing Sin -> Explaining Sin -> Even in Sin, I Feel Alive, But Not Because of Me, Because of Something(One) Who Saved Me -> Maybe I Don't Have to be Stuck in this Sin -> There is Certainity in the Goodness of This Thing(Person) -> This Good Thing(Person) Has Saved Me -> Oh Wait but I Still Feel All That Pain -> I've Been Saved from my Sin but it's Still There -> I Long for Pure Goodness -> I Find it in this Thing(Person) -> I Need to Rest In It -> True Goodness is Revealed to Me -> I Can Surrender Myself to It -> Jesus is the Answer

Point-blank period, no grey area. Up until creature, you could intrepret different songs in different ways, but at that point when they pull off the curtain and show God at the center of it all, everything else suddenly clicks into place and becomes so much richer and better. It starts off pretty ambiguous, but with each song the final point becomes clearer and clearer.

This album is called Now, Not Yet because that's the theme. We are Creation, both Haunted and Holy. And we feel the tug of the world between our flesh and our souls. We've been saved already, its guaranteed. But until that day, we've got to continue to fight. And for His Glory, pointing it back to Him in all that we do.

[myhockeyworld87]

Right One - Josh Anderson

Word Count: 4,063

POV: Josh

Warnings: Language

Notes: Just felt like writing something that wasn’t Tyler Seguin...haha So here you here’s a little Josh Anderson for anyone interested. Happy Reading!

The game against the Devils had been hard-fought, but thankfully you guys ended up with the win. Luckily, you had a couple days before your next game. Once the media finally left the locker room, a more relaxed atmosphere filled the air. "So, where are we celebrating tonight?" You inquired of Seth.

 "Sorry man I'm out tonight. I've got plans."

 "Gettin' some tonight, huh Seth?" This from Boone, at least you could count on him to party with tonight.

 "It's not like that, man. (Y/N)'s one of my best friends and she just got a job at OSU. I'm taking her out to dinner to welcome her to town and celebrate."

 "Looks like it's just me and you then Boone. Where should we go?" You threw your jacket on and grabbed your bag, getting ready to head out the door. Seth and Boone a few steps behind you. When you opened the door, there stood the most beautiful girl you'd ever seen. She was wearing a skin-tight white sweater, that showed off her well-endowed breasts and her midriff, with a pair of skinny jeans and heeled boots. But it wasn't just her body that caught your attention it was her smile. She could literally light up a room, with that smile of hers, and at that moment it was directed at you. You felt it all the down to your toes, and at that moment you knew that she was the one you'd been praying to come into your life. That was until Seth moved past you and wrapped his arms around her, enveloping her in a huge hug.

 "Seth, you played amazing tonight." Her voice was like an angel's, and you wondered what it would sound like simply saying your name. "Though I still think that high sticking penalty in the second was bullshit."

 "I know right. Hischier totally lifted it." Seth pulled back from their embrace before saying. "So, you got into town ok, obviously."

 "Yeah, the moving company should be here tomorrow."

 "Sorry I wasn't here when you got here yesterday." Seth apologized, then slung his arm around her shoulders. "But to make it up to you, I made dinner reservations at the best restaurant in town."

 "Excellent, because stale beer and nachos in the second period aside, I'm starving."

 They turned to walk out to the parking garage, and you felt her slipping away. You went to say something, but Boone's voice interjected. "Hey Jonsey, aren't you going to introduce us?"

 "Oh right. I totally forgot you guys never met (Y/N). (Y/N) this is Boone Jenner and Josh Anderson; guys this is (Y/F/L/N) my oldest friend."

 She held out her hand first to Boone, then to you. Her skin was soft and as you whispered hello, you realized you didn't want to let go. She was looking at you finally, her smile warm and inviting, and you found yourself smiling back in return. But then she released you and turned back to Seth. "It's nice to meet some of Seth's teammates finally."

 "And how is it that we're only meeting you now?" It was a question you had on your lips, only Boone was the one asking it, as you stood there mute.

 "Miss Smartypants here has been teaching at Oxford for the last couple years, but we were finally able to lure her back to the states, though I know she considers it slumming."

 "Haha…you're so funny Mr. Hockey. I've been wanting to come back for a while and you know it. Though you haven't convinced me yet, that you didn't make this opening at OSU happen."

 "If I was capable of that, I would've done it when I first got here and not a couple years later." You weren't entirely sure that things were platonic between Seth and (Y/N). Comments like that seemed more intimate, than just friendship. "But we can talk about that over dinner. We better get going if we're going to make those reservations."

 "You could just come out with us?" They were the first words you uttered, other than 'hi,' and though you didn't want them to leave; you felt like an idiot just standing there when she looked at you.

 "And where exactly are you two headed? Out to pick up women I suspect." She giggled. Little did she know other women were the furthest thing from your mind.

 "We hadn't really picked a place yet. Just going out to celebrate the win." Her eyes were still focused on you, and you liked having all of her attention.

 "Will there be something other than bar food at this yet to be established destination? Because this one promised me an actual meal." She playfully swatted Seth in the chest, and you wished it was you she was touching. "Hopefully that means something that isn't actually made in a deep fryer."

 Before you could say anything at all, Seth spoke up. "Why don't we compromise? Dinner first, then we can hit a club."

 The whole thing sounded perfect to you, as it meant you would get more time with (Y/N). "Sounds good, though I'm not sure I can be a wing woman for all of you." She sent you a quick wink. Was she feeling the same thing you were? That instant connection.

 "Ok now that, that's settle. Let's get going." The four of you headed out of the arena and piled into Seth's car. Luckily, the restaurant was accommodating and able to put you all in a quiet spot. The corner booth provided privacy while allowing you to be close to (Y/N), as you chose to scoot in next her. She smelled of lavender, a fragrance you normally didn't prefer but on her it was intoxicating. Though it was a struggle to just not reach out and touch her. If this was a date, your hand would be on her thigh or entwined with hers, but this wasn't a date; this was the first time you were meeting this woman.

 "So Josh, Boone, give me some scoop on this one." Her words brought you out of your musings. "Has anyone captured his attention?" She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively at Seth when you wanted it to be directed at you.

 "Geez (Y/N), give me a break. Don't you think I'd tell you if I'd met someone special?" She seemed to accept his answer, but Seth quickly added. "Besides I have you as a backup."

 "A backup?" The words were out of your mouth before you could take them back, but damnit you wanted to know if there was something more than friendship going on between them.

 She playfully swatted at Seth's shoulder. "Please, like you need me for a backup." She turned towards you then. "Sorry, I didn't mean to not answer you. It's a stupid promise we made when we were fourteen." She thought for a moment before continuing. "God, what was his name?"

 "Michael Billington," Seth spat out.

 "Right, I can't believe you remember that. Anyway, Michael totally broke my heart at the ripe old age of fourteen." She patted your thigh, the contact going straight to your groin. "As you can see I'm still not over it." Her hand left and you thought you'd die from the loss. "I ended up crying on Seth's shoulder that night, and we made a pact that if neither of us was married by thirty we'd get hitched."

 "By my calculations, you've only got four years to find Mr. Right or you're going to be Mrs. Jones." Seth quipped back to her.

 "Please I have until you turn thirty, which is closer to five years, and who says I'd take your last name. You'd probably take mine." They both laughed at that, though you really didn't find the conversation funny at all. Their friendship seemed to be a bit more than your original assessment. "Besides I have a feeling some puck bunny will snatch you up and you'll be her problem, not mine."

 "I save the puck bunnies for these two." Great now your best friend was throwing you under the bus. So you'd been a bit of womanizer in your past; that was only because you hadn't met the right one. Yet that might have changed tonight when you met (Y/N). Though you needed to defend yourself first.

 "Come on man, that's not fair. It's not like that, right Boone?"

 "No, Seth pretty much got it right. I mean isn't that why we're going to the club tonight?" He was going to pay for that comment at practice in the morning.

 "You don't really need to hear about these guys sexcapades." Seth quickly tried to change the subject.

 "Sexcapades huh? No, I think I definitely need to hear about this." Her curiosity was piqued and you wondered how to turn this night back around before it went south.

 "Oh no we're not going there." You added. "What about you (Y/N)? Seth said you were in England, any British men catch your fancy, so to say."

 She giggled, the sound sweet and melodic. "If they had, I wouldn't be here, surrounded by you three hunks." You were relieved to find out that she didn't have some British nob waiting for her, across the pond. The conversation at dinner flowed so easily; you almost didn't want it to end. It was nice just having her here mainly to yourself, instead of fighting off random men for her attention. It was bad enough vying for it with Seth and Boone.

 Too soon for your liking dinner ended and the four of you headed to a club that you frequented. The music was loud and the dance floor was crowded, but thankfully there was a VIP section, that you were able to make your way to. Boone ordered everyone a round of drinks and shots. "Here's to a great win tonight and to my best friend finally moving to Columbus," Seth announced, and you all cheers before slinging down the burning liquid.

 "Damn Boone, what the hell was that shit?" You asked him, coughing a bit from the bad alcohol you'd just drank. (Y/N) was already chasing it down with her other drink.

 "I did not order that shit. I specifically asked for 1942 Don Julio. I'm gonna go see what the hell happened."

 "Hold up, I'm going with you because this does not taste like what I ordered either," Seth told him before the two took off, leaving you and (Y/N) alone. She was swaying to the music as she sat on the sofa and you wondered what she'd look like when her whole body moved.

 "Do you want to dance?"

 "Took you long enough to ask Andy." She quipped, using your nickname, which out of her mouth was completely adorable. You took her hand and led her just past the roped-off area, close enough that Seth and Boone would know where you went. Dancing with a Stranger was playing and you raised your joined hands as you started to move to the beat. Her body swayed to the rhythm and you found your free hand reaching for her waist; pulling her close to you. Her hips gyrated with yours and her arm skated around your neck. She was intoxicating, the way she moved, the smile on her face; just everything about her spoke to you on some other level. You'd only had her in your arms a few moments, but you knew you never wanted to let her go.

 She spun around then, her backside now grinding into your crotch; while your arm sat low on her hips holding her close. You leaned down, half tempted to whisper in her ear how much you wanted her; but that damn lavender scent of hers engulfed you, even though the smell of alcohol and sweat permeated the air. You wanted to drink her in, and get drunk solely on being in her presence alone. Instead you were stuck holding her tight against you in a crowded club.

 The music shifted and so did she in your arms, as she twisted back around front. "Don't look now, but the girl at your two o'clock is staring at you like a starving dog." You moved your head to see who (Y/N) was talking about, even though she was the only one who you wanted to spend the rest of the night staring at. "I said not to look." (Y/N) chuckled and you joined in. "So should I be a good wing-woman and help you get her, now that you've checked her out."

 God that was the last thing that you wanted, for (Y/N) was the only woman who'd captured your attention and there was no one in this club or on the planet for that matter that you wanted to be with but her. An easy 'no' fell from your lips before you even really figured out which girl (Y/N) was talking about.  "Really? I don't think it would be a hard sell." This time when you looked your saw who she meant, a groan escaped your lips. "Ah, so that was a death glare she was giving me; I take it?"

 "Yeah, probably." (Y/N) cocked her head in question for you to explain further. "Her name is Carmen, and she's one of those puck bunnies you were talking about earlier. She's been trying to get her hooks into me for weeks."

 "Oh, well in that case let's give her a show." She wrapped her arms around your neck and grinded down on you, making your cock go from stiff to rock solid. "Put your hands on my ass." You blinked down at her, but who were you to argue with such demands. With her breasts pressed against you and the cheeks of her bottom in your hands, you were struggling not to just lift her up and take her to the nearest quiet corner. "Is she still watching?"

 You weren't even paying any attention to Carmen. Why would you, when you had everything you wanted in your arms, but for (Y/N)'s sake you looked over to check. "God, she's actually coming this way."

 "Kiss me."

 "What?"

 "Kiss me, so she thinks we're together." You didn't move, so she reached her hands up to the nape of your neck and brought your lips down to hers. It wasn't how you wanted your first kiss with her to be, yet her lips were soft and pliant beneath yours. You couldn't help how your hands pressed her body even closer to yours. Her lips molded to yours and you felt her melt into your arms. The kiss shifted then, it was no longer about pretending, but purely about two people that wanted each other, no needed each other. The music around you was deafening but you heard the slight moan she gave above it all. You took full advantage, sweeping your tongue inside her mouth to tangle with hers. She tasted of alcohol and faintly of the chocolate cake she'd had at dinner, and something that was purely her. You were lost in her and you never wanted to be found.

 You were so focused on (Y/N) and everything about her, that you forgot where were until some drunk bumped into the two of you spilling their drink partially on you both; causing you to break the kiss. It didn't matter that your pant leg was half soaked, all you could do was stare down at the beautiful woman in front of you. Her lips slightly swollen from the kiss, and a look of awe on her face. Neither of you recovered quickly, and you knew you should've said something but all you could think of was how badly you wanted to kiss her again.

 She cleared her throat, effectively breaking the spell going on between the two of you. "Well, um…" You weren't sure what else she was going to say, but you knew if it was negative you didn't want to hear it.

 "That had nothing to do with Carmen." You told her, being completely honest. Her mouth formed an 'O' yet no sound came out. There was so much more you wanted to say, but it didn't happen as Seth and Boone joined you then.

 "Did we miss anything?" Seth asked, as he placed a hand on your shoulder giving you a squeeze and pointedly looked at where your hands were, which happened to still be glued to (Y/N)'s ass. You immediately released her though regretted it.

 (Y/N) answered him first. "Just saving Andy here from the wolves." She skated one arm down yours to entwine with your fingers, then took the other to pull Seth nearer to her. "The wolf's name is Carmen." She stated, nodding her head in the direction Carmen previously was, but now was nowhere to be found.

 Just the mention of Carmen's name and understanding dawned on Seth, even though there was more to the story than what was being told. "Gotcha. Well we have drinks back at the table."

 "Great. I'll be right there, just going to freshen up." She squeezed your hand, then headed off, and though you knew she'd only be gone a few minutes; you felt an overwhelming desire to run after her just so you could kiss her again. Instead, you went back to the table with Seth, where Boone was flirting with some brunette.

 Taking a long swig of your drink, you sat down, only to hear Seth say. "So, care to tell me what's really going?"

 You set the glass back before you had a chance to down the entire contents. "I like her. What else can I say? But if you tell me right now that, you're secretly in love with her or something; I'll back off."

 Seth rolled his eyes. "I do love her." God, you felt your heart literally sink to the floor, and you found yourself picking the glass back up and bringing it to your lips, which still burned from kissing her. "But like a sister." Just like that you brought the drink back down, to look over at your friend. "And before you say anything, that means I won't tolerate you treating her like some one-night stand. She's special Josh."

 "You don't think I noticed that." You raked a hand through your hair, more frustrated at yourself for not being able to explain the things you were feeling for a woman you'd only just met. "I saw that the minute I came out of the locker room and she was standing there. It's only been more evident throughout the night. She's amazing Seth." You had to be sure, he knew you'd walk away if there was something between them. "You're positive it's just a brother/sister thing?"

 "Look, I won't lie. We tried it once." Now that you knew the truth, you weren't sure you wanted to hear it. "We were eighteen, and I felt like she was slipping away going off to college and all. It was awful." He chuckled and part of you felt relief that you weren't going to be competing with one of your best friends. "We realized then, that we were always going to be friends and nothing more." He slapped you on the shoulder before continuing. "But seriously man, you may be the better fighter of the two of us. Though I'm telling you now, I will literally beat the living shit out of you if you break her heart."

 "Noted." You went to say more but he stopped you yet again.

 "It took me a long time to convince her to come back to the states. Don't fuck this up."

 "Jesus, I don't even know if she likes me."

 "She does. I can see it." Now that was something that you finally wanted to hear.

 "You really think so?"

 "Dude, calm down. You sound like you're five or something." Seth took a long drink before actually answering your question, enjoying making you wait. "Yeah, I really do." He shrugged then. "I saw her kiss you and I saw the look on her face afterward, but you can find out for yourself because here she comes."

 You watched as (Y/N) moved through the crowd to make it back to your seats. "What I miss?" She asked as she took the seat next to you.

 "Oh, not much," Seth said handing her a drink, and sending you a sly glance.

 "Doesn't seem like that." She added with that cute little giggle of hers. "Please tell me you didn't have a run-in with that Carmen girl while I was gone." Actually, you'd forgotten all about her.

 "No, thank god," Seth answered. "Though I do see her and her friends staring at us." You followed Seth's vision and sure enough there she was glaring over more at (Y/N) then either him or Seth. "If this wasn't your first night out in Columbus; I'd be suggesting we call it a night." You were inclined to agree.

 "Hey no need to stay on my account. I'm literally still on London time, which means my carriage turned into a pumpkin a few hours ago. I'd rather party when I didn't think that it was six in the morning." Both you and Seth laughed at her comment. "Laugh all you want, but one of you two will be carrying me back to the hotel when I fall asleep here." You had no qualms with carrying her anywhere though your bed was your preferred choice.

 "In this noise? You'll never fall asleep. I know you and you don't even like the tv on to sleep." Seth quipped to her and you stored the knowledge away. "Let me go see what Romeo over there wants to do and I'll be back." He headed over to Boone leaving you and (Y/N) alone, which provided you the perfect opportunity to talk to her.

 "So, about earlier." You started and she nodded. "I didn't want it to be like that…kissing you that is." Her eyes widen and you could tell she misunderstood what you were trying to say. "It's not that I didn't want to kiss you…" You blew out a frustrated breath, before raking your hands through your hair. "I mean I want to kiss you…fuck…I just…well, I like you, and well…I was wondering if maybe you wanted to go out. Just the two of us, where I can kiss you properly." There you'd said it all. It was a jumbled mess, but at least you'd asked her out. The problem now was that she wasn't saying anything in return, and now you were worried you didn't make yourself clear. "So…um…would you like to go out with me?"

 A small smile spread across her features and you took that as a good sign. "You're really cute when you're flustered. Do you know that?" You could feel a blush rising to your cheeks. "I like you too Josh, but…" She looked over at Seth and then it occurred to you that maybe she had feelings for him.

 "I didn't realize there was…."

 "No!" She said quickly. "There's not. Seth is my best friend and that's all. I just don't know how he'd feel about me dating one of his teammates."

 "Well if it helps, he told me he'd kick my ass if I hurt you."

 She shook her head as a light chuckle escaped her lips. "God, he never changes. He used to say that to every guy I dated growing up, but I'll take that as him giving us his blessing. So, if that's the case, then…Yeah, I'd love to go on a date with you."

 "Really?" You were completely elated but wanted to be one hundred percent sure.

 "Yes really. I like you Josh." She reached over and kissed your cheek. "And just so you know. I don't regret kissing you on the dance floor, but I understand that you didn't want it to be our first. So let's just consider that practice, until you take me out."

 Seth came back then, with Boone falling behind. "Everyone ready to go?"

 You laced your fingers with (Y/N)'s and the four of you headed out the door. Tonight had proved to be more of a win for you than just in hockey and you couldn't wait for your next matchup with the girl on your arm, because for some reason you thought you’d finally found the right one.

[hmorris0712]

tyler joseph x jenna black~ new student (part ONE)

tyler’s p.o.v.

“good morning class. before we begin, there’s someone i’d like to introduce.” our teacher says sweetly. she’s always been the nice teacher. and nice is good, but like, she’s too nice. you know those kinds of teachers? yeah, well she’s one of them.

she opens the door and in walks a girl with blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. she looks timid, yet strong at the same time. i’m fascinated by her, and i don’t know why. i can’t seem to take my eyes off of her. she’s so....beautiful. i don’t even realize until now, but my mouth is slightly open, so i close it quickly to make sure nobody saw. but my hopes of no one seeing quickly die when i hear josh snicker from across the room. i throw a glare at him as he continues attempting to keep his mouth shut.

“this is jenna black, and she will be joining us for the rest of the year.” jenna black. maybe one day she’ll be jenna jo-

“jenna, why don’t you take that empty seat next to tyler?” oh no. red alert. RED ALERT. i turn to josh with a subtle panicked look on my face. he shrugs in return and then looks up at something next to me. i turn to see what he’s looking at and oh crap she’s already here.

she sits down in the chair and puts her bag down, getting her things out of it. she turns to me with a smile. “so...tyler?” she asks. “..yeah...jenna?” i reply, slightly confused. “i’m just making sure that’s your name.” i almost laugh. “i mean, she told you to take this empty seat next to tyler, correct?” i reply, partially sarcastic. she gives me this look of annoyance, although i can tell she’s faking it because of that little smile she failed to hide.

i’m surprised i didn’t stutter through that whole conversation. so far so good as far as first impressions go.

~~~~~~~~~

*after class ends*

“this is josh, he’s my best friend and bandmate.” i introduce as we walk with jenna to her locker. josh holds out a hand and smiles. “salutations.” jenna laughs at his greeting. i could get used to hearing that sound. “salutations.” she says as she shakes his hand. “so you two are in a band? that’s pretty cool. what’s it called?” she asks. “twenty one pilots.” josh and i say in unison, unintentionally. we look at each other with smiles. “dude!” josh says as he high fives me.

“that was awesome.” she says with an amused expression. “yeah it was!” josh says, laughing a little.

“so, what class do you have next jenna?” i ask after a few seconds of silence. she looks down at her schedule in her hands. “um...art.” she replies. my eyes light up. “oh cool, me too. maybe we could walk there together! josh has physics next, one of the worst classes out there.” i say, placing a hand on josh’s shoulder in sympathy. he fake pouts. “pray for me.” he says jokingly. “done and done.” i reply as he starts going his separate way. “seeya at lunch josh.” i call. “later dude.”

i turn to jenna, a smile on my face. “alright, art’s this way, follow me.” i tell her. “obviously. i don’t have anyone else to follow, do i?” she scoffs. “i guess not.” i shrug.

“what’s your last name?” she asks me as we walk down the crowded hall. “joseph.” i glance at her. she nods. “well tell me about yourself, tyler joseph.” she nudges me in the arm. “well, let’s see. my name is tyler robert joseph, i’m eighteen, i play piano, ukulele, i can sing, i have a sister and two brothers, and i’m in a band with my best friend. you already knew some of that stuff, but yeah basically my life isn’t that exciting.” i explain.

her eyes light up with excitement. “wait, you sing? oh my gosh you have to show me.” “oh, would you look at that? we’re already here! guess it’ll have to wait.” i say with a smirk as we enter the classroom. “oh come on! okay, we go to your house after school and you will sing for me.” she argues. well...if she’s coming to my house....

“i’ll think about it.” i say as i set my bag down at a seat. she glares at me playfully.

we don’t have any assigned seats in this class, i usually just take whatever’s open. jenna sits down next to me and the teacher closes the door, starting the class.

~~~~~~~~~

lunch time, finally.

“so, have you wooed the princess yet?” josh asks me with a smirk as he approaches my locker. i roll my eyes. “no, no i haven’t josh. and i don’t think i will anytime soon.” i take some books out and put them in my bag.

“sure you will.” he reassures me. i deadpan him. “she just met me josh.” he raises his eyebrows at me. “you just met her, and look what happened.” he smirks. i sigh and rest my forehead against my locker. “i don’t know josh, i just don’t think she likes me like that.”

“who doesn’t like you like what?”

i jump, startled by jenna’s voice. “oh my god.” i mumble quietly to myself, covering my face. “oh tyler just has this crush on this girl, but he barely knows her.” josh states with a smirk, side-eyeing me.

jenna claps her hands. “oooooh who is it?” i shake my head. “that is classified information.” “but josh knows! why can’t i?” she pouts. “well, i didn’t even tell him, he just knows me too well and, as a result, figures out everything about me without me even having to say a word.” i subtly glare at josh.

jenna nods. “well what letter does her name start with?” “j.” josh says before i can say anything. if looks could kill...

“oh my gosh is it jessica from art class? you two would be so cute tog-“ “no, jenna it’s not jessica.” i say, shaking my head. “also please don’t try to guess who it is, because i’m gonna say no to every name you say.” i point at her.

she crosses her arms over her chest. “i’ll get it out of you eventually. now c’mon, let’s eat! i’m starving!!” she says as she turns and starts walking off to the cafeteria.

josh is smirking at me while i continue to glare at him. “c’mon, let’s eat! i’m starving!” josh copies what jenna said and pulls me along with him to follow her.

~~~~~~~~~

josh, jenna and i have calculus together. josh’s seat is next to mine, and jenna sits in the front of the room.

i don’t know what’s with me today, but i literally cannot keep my eyes off of her. i try, believe me i try, but then i catch sight of her piercing blue eyes, her perfect blonde hair, her beautiful as heck smile and-you’re doing it again tyler.

“dude you’re so whipped.” josh whispers in my ear while my eyes are still studying her. “i know, it’s horrible. can you please make it stop?” i look at him with pleading eyes. he shakes his head. “sorry pal, you’re on your own.” i sigh and place my head in my hands.

“mr. joseph, are you still with us?” the teacher’s voice calls me out of my sulking. “uh, yeah i’m just...tired.” i say as my face heats up a bit. i sigh for the third time this class.

why am i like this?

~~~~~~~~~

“later josh.” “seeya tyler.”

josh walks out of the school doors to head home. jenna looks up at me with a smile on her face and in her eyes. “so...your house? i can call my mom and tell her i’m going home with a friend so she won’t be worried sick about me.” she offers. i smile back. “sure why not.”

we walk out of the school into the cold windy weather of columbus. “you got enough layers? it’s pretty cold out here.” i check with jenna. she only has one jacket, and it doesn’t look too warm. well, at least she’s got some gloves and a scarf.

“yep. i’m good.” she holds up two thumbs and flashes a cheesy smile that makes my own smile grow. “alright then, off to my house.” i say as i start walking.

“what’s your life like jenna? i mean, you asked me earlier so i think it’s my turn now to ask you.” i say. she smiles. “well, my name’s jenna elizabeth black, i moved to columbus about a week ago with my parents, sister, and brother, and...no that’s about really it. oh no wait, i love cooking. like, really love it. and i’m pretty good at it if i do say so myself.” she says with a smirk.

“you’re gonna have to make me something eventually so i can be the judge of whether you’re good or not.” i say. her mouth opens in mock offense. “you think i’m bad at cooking??” “no, i don’t think anything currently. all i’m saying is i’ll have to see for myself one day how good you are at it.” i explain.

“okay good. i was about to turn around and go to my house. or actually, my house is this way so far, so i’d probably just speedwalk.” she reveals. i scoff. “oh please, i’d catch up to you easily. i don’t know if you know this, but i’m super fast.” i point out. she frowns. “dangit.” she mutters quietly, though i can still hear her. i chuckle a little.

we walk in a comfortable silence for a couple minutes before i notice that she’s starting to shiver a bit. i don’t have any jackets for her, but i do have...

“here, want my beanie? it’s really soft, i promise.” i offer with a small smile. she smiles warmly. “thank you.” she pulls it over her head with ease. it fits her like a glove. she looks even more pretty now than she did before. i didn’t even know that was possible. the navy blue color of the hat compliments her crystal blue eyes perfectly.

“what’re you looking at? do i have something on my face?” crap. “uhh yeah. snow.” thank the lord for perfect timing. she gasps and looks up, and sure enough, snowflakes have started falling. her expression turns from slight excitement to pure joy. this is the happiest i’ve seen her all day, and she’s been happy all day.

she sticks out her tongue, and a snowflake lands perfectly on it. she puts out her arms and spins around a couple times. oh my god she really doesn’t know how adorable she’s being right now. i quickly pull out my phone and snap a quick picture before she notices.

“hey, this is my neighborhood.” i tap her arm as we approach the entrance. she stops for a second. “you’re kidding.” she says with her eyebrows raised. i furrow mine in confusion. “...no? this is where i live?” the corners of her mouth twitch upwards and form a smile. “tyler, i live here too!” she says excitedly.

what? how could i not have seen her at all?

“dude no way, that’s sick!!” i exclaim and give her a high five. as we walk down the streets to get to mine i find out that her house is only one street away from mine. how convenient.

i take out my house key and unlock the door to my house. “mom, dad, i’m home! and i brought a friend as well.” i shout as i let jenna in before closing the door after her.

“oh fun! what’s his name?” my mom yells back from the kitchen. jenna and i hold back our laughter. “her name’s jenna, mom.”

no response.

no more than three seconds later, my mom comes rushing over to see this ‘girl’ i’ve brought home.

“hi! i’m mrs. joseph, but you can call me kelly.” she says, offering her hand to jenna. jenna smiles and shakes it without hesitation. “i’m jenna. nice to meet you!” my mom laughs. “tyler never brings home girls, so i just had to introduce myself.”

“aLright mom, you can go back into the kitchen now.” i say as i turn her around. “alright, you two have fun! but not too much, if you know what i mean.” she calls with a wink. “MOM” i say, covering my face. “i’m just messing with you.” she says as she finally returns back to the kitchen.

i drag my hand down off of my face. jenna’s looking off in the direction my mom went. “i like her. is she a good cook?” she asks me as she follows me up the stairs. “yeah, she’s pretty good.” “maybe i could come over sometime and cook with her. that would be fun.” she says. i open my door. “but what would i do?” “you can watch. you might learn a thing or two.” she shrugs as i enter my room after her, closing the door.

she puts her bag down by the wall. she looks around and spots both my keyboard and my ukulele. “oh my gosh tyler, you can play and sing for me now!” she gestures to my instruments.

i laugh and shake my head. “i guess i can. which one do you wanna hear first, uke or piano?” “ukulele.” she says almost immediately. i nod and go grab it off of my dresser.

i sit down on my bed. “come here.” i motion for her to sit next to me. she walks over and hops onto the open spot next to me.

i quickly make sure the ukulele is in tune before asking, “what do you want me to play you?” “well, what songs do you know?” she questions. i think for a few seconds. before thinking of a song.

should i play that one? because this is only the first day of knowing her...

screw it, i’m playing it.

“there’s this one song. it’s by elvis.” i say as i start strumming the first chords to the song.

“wise men say, ‘only fools rush in’, but i can’t help falling in love with you.” i begin. was it a good idea to play her this song on the first day of meeting her? probably not. but what did i decide to do? play it.

does she think anything of it? probably not.

i don’t think...

“shall i stay? would it be a sin if i can’t help falling in love with you?” now that i think about it i should have picked a different song. but it’s too late to stop now.

“like a river flows surely to the sea, darling so it goes. some things were meant to be...” i finally get over my nerves and look up to see what jenna thinks of this so far. i think she...doesn’t dislike my voice? i mean, she’s smiling, so that’s a good sign, right?

and i think my eyes might just be playing tricks on me but i think, i think, she’s blushing. just a little bit.

i strum the last part more slow than the rest of the song. “take my hand, take my whole life too, cause i can’t help falling in love with you.” i finish with one last strum. i look up at her with a smile.

“tyler that was amazing! you have such a good voice! you’re gonna have to teach me to sing because i have no vocal talent whatsoever.” she exclaims. i raise an eyebrow. “really? i’m willing to bet you at least have some. there no way you were born with no vocal talent.”

she laughs. “you haven’t heard me sing before, you’d be surprised.” “well how about you sing for me then?” i challenge. her eyes widen. “nonononono, you do NOT wanna hear that. i’m pretty sure you wouldn’t like having your ears bleed.” i try to hold in a laugh but fail.

“alright, how about this: i teach you to sing, and you teach me to cook?” i offer. she narrows her eyes and thinks for a moment. “alright...but not today.” she says followed by a giggle. god she’s so cute.

jenna walks over to my keyboard and runs her fingers over a few of the keys. “how about this? you said you can play piano.” i shrug and walk over to it and turn it on, sitting down on the chair in front of it.

“i mean i can, yeah. question is do you want me to?” i say as i play a few random notes in whatever pattern comes to mind.

“well duh. ooh you should improvise!” she says with excitement at her own idea. i nod a few times. “yeah i guess i could do that.”

i place my fingers down on some random keys, but keys that still sound good together, and i just...go. i just play. let my fingers guide me. i forget how stress-relieving the piano is sometimes. just watching your fingers dance across the keys, listening to the beautiful sounds coming from them, i could sit here all day and do this. this is my happy place. this is where i go to find peace when there is none.

i oftentimes find myself getting lost in the sound of the piano. lost in the rhythm. lost in the atmosphere of playing. like i am right now. i don’t even really have to think about what i’m playing, it just sort of comes naturally.

after what i assume is about a couple minutes, i bring my short little improv to an end. i look up at jenna. “well? what did you thi-” “THAT WAS AMAZING!! you can LITERALLY do anything! ugh, you make me feel so...” she pauses as she flops down on her back on my bed. “talentless!” she sighs before abruptly sitting back up. “how do you do that?” i stand up and walk over to her. “practice.” i say simply. “just like you do with cooking.” “but cooking’s different than music.” she brings up with sad puppy dog eyes. i smile. “it’s not all that different. it’s a task that takes willpower and motivation. same as music.” i shrug as i try to explain to her. “i guess...” she says quietly.

i shove my hands into the pockets of my jeans. “if you really believe in yourself, you can make it happen. it’s alllll in your mind.” i poke the side of her head a couple times. the corners of her lips twitch upwards.

“you just gotta break that barrier of ‘i can’t do it’. if you do that, you can do practically anything. you just gotta convince yourself that you can.” geez, when did i turn into an inspirational pep talk guy? i sound like my dad coaching his basketball team.

she looks up at me with a genuine smile. her eyes are the most striking blue color, i could get lost in them easily. kind of like i am right now. crap, how long have i been staring at her?

i snap myself out of my gaze as a small blush creeps up my face. i look down at my feet quickly so she won’t see. but i think she might have because she lets out a giggle. “you’re cute tyler.” hold up.

my eyes widen and i snap my head back up at her words. “wait really?” oh gosh. somebody please pour a bucket of ice on me right now.

she laughs this time. “yes, really.” is my face on fire? because it really feels like that right now. “i- uh, thanks? um...you’re really cute too.” i say, avoiding eye contact because i know i wouldn’t survive if i was looking at her while saying that.

i look out the window and see that it’s still snowing and the ground is covered in a good amount of snow. “woah look at the snow!” i point out. jenna gasps and runs up to the window, placing her hands on it.

she turns around with a huge smile. her eyes glance to something off to the side and then quickly back to mine as a smirk starts spreading across her face. she sprints and grabs my phone off of the small table by the door, running out of the room.

“wha-jenna, you can’t just grab my phone and run off like that!” i say as i chase her out of the room and down the stairs. she turns the corner and runs towards the front door. she opens it and makes a break for the snow. i close the door and chase her down. she looks back to see me catching up to her and screams, running across the yard in the snow. when i’m close enough, i wrap my arms around her from behind and feel my hand grab my phone finally.

but before i can take it, she trips and we both come crashing down onto the snow covered ground, laughing. i don’t care where my phone went at this point, she’s all i care about right now. her and her beautiful face framed by her shining blonde hair in the sunlight, partially covered by my beanie that she’s still wearing. i’m still holding on to her arms, but whatever. she’s currently laughing into my shoulder so i figured it’s fine.

she lifts her head up suddenly, to my disappointment. “wait where’d your phone go?” i look around. “that’s a good question.” we get up and search around the yard. after a few seconds jenna shouts, “hey i found it! must’ve went flying when we fell.” she says as she hands it to me. i turn it on and test out the volume to see if it got damaged, and hear that it’s a little echoey-sounding. i think she heard it too because she immediately apologizes. “oh my gosh i’m so sorry! is there a way to fix it?” she asks with some concern.

“oh yeah, i can just put it in a bowl of rice, it’ll be fine jenna don’t worry, it’s not even that bad.” i assure her. she sighs. “oh good, i didn’t want to have broken your phone on the first day i met you, that wouldn’t leave a very good impression of me to you.” she says with a laugh.

i smile and look down. “you already left quite the impression on me.” i mumble. “what?” she asks. crap i didn’t think she could hear me. “uh-it’s...nothing. um, how about we uh, go back inside and work on the-uh homework??” i suggest, stumbling over almost that whole sentence. i’m currently mentally facepalming myself, i’m such a mess.

she raises an eyebrows and smiles. “alright, if that’s what you wanna do.” she holds her arm out for me to take. “c’mon, let’s go.” she says as i loop my arm through hers with a giddy smile.

to be continued...

[tearinmyheartforjosh]

Hello! Can you do one where the reader is a newer singer who is headlining for some other artist/band so she doesn't get to see her boyfriend, Josh a lot because twenty one pilots is also on tour. But since she is on break for a few weeks, Tyler and her make arrangements for her to surprise Josh. Thanks :)

“He’s moping again,” Tyler tells you, as he continues to eat whatever it was crunching loudly in your ear. “He won’t say it, but I can tell.”

You let out a sigh, and turn onto your stomach, staring at your best friends name scrolling on your phone. “Yeah, I can tell too.”

“Where are you guys right now?” Tyler asks.

You look up and out the windows of the moving tour bus your tiny band had managed to get. You couldn’t really see anything, partly because it was night time and partly because the windows were so tinted. “I think we’re somewhere around Washington. But I can’t be sure. It’s all melting together.”

Seven years ago, you met Tyler through a mutual friend of Jenna’s, and all three of you had become best friends instantly. Five years ago Tyler had introduced you to Josh, and you were pretty sure it was love at first sight and it was only a matter of weeks before you and the drummer began dating. Six months ago your small town band landed the break through you had been waiting for; touring as one of the opening acts for Paramore. And it worked out that both Tyler and Josh were going on tour during the same time, so you figured that you’d both be busy enough that it wouldn’t be a huge deal that you couldn’t see each other for close to a year. And of course you had FaceTimed and talked on the phone as much as you both could. But what you didn’t plan on was realizing how much you missed his presence. How he made you feel like the only person in a room just by smiling at you. How he would kiss you on the cheek any time he had to walk away from you. It was the little things that you didn’t really think of that you missed the most.

“He still doesn’t know, does he?” You ask. About a week ago you had found out that you would be getting a couple weeks off after the show tonight, so you immediately called Tyler and set up a surprise visit.

“Nope,” Tyler replies, mouth full of food. “Everything is set up. Jenna and Mark are going to meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel.”

“Perfect,” you sigh, rolling onto your back, staring up at the roof of the bus. “Do you think he’ll be surprised?”

“Are you kidding?” Tyler almost shouts, as if the answer is obvious. “He’s going to crap his pants, Y/N. Literally.”

“Could have gone my entire life without that visual, Ty,” You stifle a laugh. You talk with Tyler for a few more minutes before saying goodbye so you can get ready for your show. Butterflies swarmed your stomach when you thought about how soon you’d be able to see Josh. You were horrible at keeping surprises in, but you knew his reaction would be worth it.

You were on your plane before Paramore would even be playing. You didn’t even change after the show, just grabbed you bags, called an uber and started your long journey to the other side of the world. You honestly hated flying more than anything, but the need to see Josh was greater. You just popped a couple of sleeping pills and slept through the whole thing.

Jenna’s scream made you partially deaf when she saw you, running up and throwing her arms around you. You’re not sure if you’ve ever seen the girl show any emotion but excitement but it’s the exact reason you love her.

“Tyler wishes he could be here,” She tells you after Mark gives you a hug. “But he’s keeping Josh distracted. He’s noticed that you guys haven’t texted.”

“Yeah I tried to come up with a good excuse,” You reply, throwing your carrion over your shoulder before Mark offers to take it from you. “I said that we were driving through an area that has really bad service and then I just texted him saying I just woke up from a nap,” You laugh nervously.

“Are you excited for tonight?” She asks.

“Yeah, more anxious than anything,” You admit. “I just really want to see Josh.” It had been too long since you last felt your boyfriends arms around you, and you were homesick.

“This is going to be awesome!” Jenna squeals in excitement, and you can only smile, wishing time would speed up.

Jenna spends most of the afternoon with you at the hotel, which was spent mostly at the swimming pool, before she heads back to find Tyler. You still hadn’t seen him yet and your anxiety was rising by the hour. The plan was you’d join Tyler on stage for Tear In My Heart and that would be the big reveal. You had packed more than you probably needed to, but you knew you’d be indecisive about your outfit for tonight. It needed to be perfect.

You settled on your favourite black ripped jeans and a tank you bought from hot topic that says “I prefer the drummer” after you and Josh had been dating for a couple months. It was nothing glamorous, but you knew Josh would love it.

After what felt like hours, someone finally came to pick you up. The concert had just started, Heavydirtysoul just ending as you arrive at the venue. You put your stuff in Josh’s dressing room, smelling all of his clothes before you leave to find Jenna. It helps.

Jenna is in her usual spot, beside the stage closest to Tyler. You’re fitted with an in ear so you can hear yourself on the stage, and then it’s just the waiting game. But you didn’t mind this time. You get to watch Josh do his favourite thing in the world. And your heart finally feels full, after the months of not being able to see him in person, you were going to be able to hold him and kiss him in a matter of moments.

“Alright guys,” Tyler soothes the crowd after the last song finishes. “This next song I usually dedicate to my smokin’ hot wife. Can everyone please put your hands together for my beautiful wife, Jenna?” He gestures to her from the stage and everyone goes crazy, causing Jenna to turn light pink. “But,” Tyler continues when the crowd quiets. “As we all know, Josh has been feeling a little lonely this tour. His lady has been touring with Paramore, and hasn’t been able to visit. So I’m going to dedicate this next song to him.” Tyler casts a look over at the drummer, who gives him a sweet smile and you’re practically bursting. You want to run out and kiss his smiley cheeks, but you know it’ll be better to wait. “Jishwa, this is for you my fren.” And Tear In My Heart begins, and that was your cue to get ready.

It doesn’t take long for them to finish the first chorus before Tyler cuts the music. “Hold on a second,” He says into the mic, giving Josh a look. “Just a second.” He casts a quick look over to you and you give him a thumbs up, preparing yourself. “Ladies and gentlemen, I think we need some help. Would you please welcome my good friend, Y/N!!!!”

The screams sound distant in your in ears as you walk on stage, but you have blinders on to Josh who is sitting, eyes wide with shock. You can’t contain your grin, and you give him a quick excited wave before he leaps off his stool and closes the distance between you. You’re trying to hug him as tightly as you can, not caring that he was all sweaty from playing.

“What are you doing here?!” He asks you over the screams, eyes taking in your presence.

“I got some time off, and I wanted to surprise you,” You giggle, happy that everything worked out the way it was supposed to. He doesn’t say anything and just lifts you, spinning around in a circle, the crowd going crazy.

“Isn’t that adorable?” Tyler asks the crowd as Josh smothers your face with kisses, refusing to let you go. He’s so smiley and you can’t help but let a few tears fall. Your heart was so full.

“Hey Josh,” Tyler calls after a few moments. “What do you say to finishing the song?”

Josh picks you up from behind and carries you over to his drum set, sitting you in his lap and giving Tyler a thumbs up before pretending to drum while you’re on his lap. The crowd is going crazy and you yourself can’t help but laugh. You know that you can’t stay on stage for much longer so you turn to kiss Josh, earning whistles from the entire arena before getting up to leave.

“Alright guys, give a big round of applause for Y/N,” Tyler says as you stop to give him a quick hug before heading back to Jenna. “Now that Josh is feeling better, lets get this show going!” And just like you hadn’t interrupted, the show kept going. You can’t help but notice how much more enthusiastic Josh plays and how he keeps stealing glances in your direction.

He doesn’t waste time on stage once they’re done the show, practically running off and into your open arms. “I can’t believe you’re actually here!” He tells you between kisses. “How long are you here for?”

“I’m all yours for two weeks baby,” You grin, wrapping your arms around his waste under his arms and smiling up at your cheeky boy.

“Get a room!” Tyler shouts sarcastically as he drapes an arm over Jenna’s shoulder, lacing his fingers into her.

“I actually already have one,” You counter with a cheeky smile.

“So we’re gonna go there now,” Josh adds without even missing a beat as he starts pulling you towards the exit. “Good show Tyler, talk later!” He shouts, not even looking back as he keeps a tight grip on your hand. You can’t help but laugh at his eagerness, but you’re not going to complain. You had been waiting six months for this moment with Josh, and you’d gladly do it again if it meant you got a life time with him.

[cover32-yahoopartner-blog]

August Titans 53 roster prediction

August Titans 53 roster prediction

Asked and asked, here is my Titans 53 prediction. Yes, I disagree with others. That is the fun of this exercise.

I have done a “53 roster prediction” each of the previous three months. I will be cherry-picking some from those articles here. The number in quotes is a running total or subtotal.

Specialists 3 (3)

The Titans have three special teamers in punter Brett Kern, kicker Ryan Succop, and long snapper Beau Brinkley.

Quarterbacks 2 (5)

Marcus Mariota is the franchise player and Matt Cassel is viewed as a reliable backup. Alex Tanney is 29 years old and has been a long time developmental project. Tyler Ferguson has yet to play more than a few snaps in a preseason game, but the reports on him are quite favorable. I’m penciling Ferguson for the practice squad and a shift here from one developmental project to another.

Backfield 4 (9)

DeMarco Murray. Jalston Fowler, and Derrick Henry have been assured spots since last season. David Fluellen seems clearly ahead of the other backups. Coach Mike Mularkey praising him the other day also reaffirms this belief. Since the draft, I have been writing how Khalfani Muhammad had protection issues and very few catches in college, so he was a curious pick for what the Titans needed him to do. This hasn’t changed. He still seems to struggle in practice and it seems Akeem Judd is the fourth running back here. Judd has had a good preseason. Muhammad hasn’t. The Titans have had a running back on the practice squad for as long as I can remember, so expect Judd to land there.

Since the draft, I have been writing how Khalfani Muhammad had protection issues and very few catches in college, so he was a curious pick for what the Titans needed him to do. This hasn’t changed. He still seems to struggle in practice and it seems Akeem Judd is the fourth running back here. Judd has had a good preseason. Muhammad hasn’t. The Titans have had a running back on the practice squad for as long as I can remember, so expect Judd to land there.

AROUND COVER32

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Tight Ends 3 (12)

Delanie Walker, Jonnu Smith, and Phillip Supernaw. I dropped this number from five to three. Coach Mike Mularkey has shown an affinity toward both the tight end and the multiple tight end sets. To keep only three tight ends and run a three tight end offense often would be foolish. I don’t think they will. I think they will (on cutdown day) plan to use two tight ends often, not three. Dennis Kelly has been in the role of blocking tight end many times. For a two tight end set, to have two on the roster is reasonable.

Offensive line 9(21)

Taylor Lewan, Quinton Spain, Ben Jones, Josh Kline and Jack Conklin are the starters. Josue Matias has been excellent in preseason, dominant even. He should make the roster this year. Tyler Marz was the backup tackle last season. He has played both guard spots this preseason and at tackle too. I think he showed he is valuable and worth keeping. Dennis Kelly filled in well for Taylor Lewan last season and as I mentioned earlier, he plays a third tight end role.

Tim Lelito has not done well. He was signed and “advertised” as a tackle that had played tight end with the Saints. Not long after signing, the Titans moved him inside. He hasn’t looked good or bad in preseason. He’s been fine with some good plays and some mistakes. Fine seems like a good adjective here. It is either that he didn’t do any of the six spots well or that he has exceptional value having played six spots. I’m guessing the latter here.

Adjustment

Previously I had five tight ends and eight offensive linemen for a total of thirteen. Now I have nine plus three for a total of twelve. That frees up a spot. With Lelito and Kelly capable of being the backup blocking tight ends, I think this is clever. (Yeah we all think our ideas are clever but…) With that spot, I am going to add Eric Weems in below. Previously, I only had five wide receivers making the team.

Wide Receivers 6 (27)

Eric Weems was mentioned. Rishard Matthews and Eric Decker are veterans that were almost assured spots. Corey Davis and Taywan Taylor are the well-publicized rookies. I have long stated that the Titans will try to trade Tajae Sharpe, but here we are in mid-August and that hasn’t happened. Maybe Sharpe will stir up some interest with a good performance during the week three preseason game? Harry Douglas offers a veteran presence and the staff seems to adore him. Tre McBride has spent two years on the practice squad and improved each year. His improvement has been impressive and he would have made any other Titans squad. They are just too deep this year. If a trade is possible, then I would put Douglas on the 53. I do not think McBride clears waivers this year to make it to the practice squad.

I do not think McBride clears waivers this year to make it to the practice squad. His improvement was evident on a nationally televised game. Weaker NFL rosters have depth wide receivers that don’t play special teams. McBride can play the gunner spot and the kick returner spot. He should be picked up and nudge some fifth wide receiver off another team’s roster.

Mekhale McKay seemed to catch the fascination of reporters and fans at almost every practice. He has been out with a hamstring injury. I had him penciled in for a practice squad spot, but the 6-foot 5-inch wideout needs to return and show the team he deserves that spot. If he can not impress enough, then I would predict Jonathan Krause for the practice squad. The Titans always have one or two wide receivers there also.

Defensive line 8 (35)

Jurrell Casey and Karl Klug are obvious. Austin Johnson has really pushed DaQuan Jones for his starting spot. Both of them will make it regardless. Sylvester Williams has not played well at all. Both Antwaun Woods and DeAngelo Brown have played well. I have the Titans keeping the two undrafted free agents and releasing their free agent signee. As I understand it, Williams makes $7 million if he is on the opening day roster, but he only costs the Titans $1 million if he is cut. I can’t see them paying six million extra for a guy that has been beaten out by two others. Angelo Blackson has moved around the line during the preseason and still seems to have some value as a sub. Cameron Robbins has been a joy to watch. Coach Mularkey singled out Jimmy Staten recently for his sack, but Brown pushed him forward so he could get that sack. I could imagine both Robbins and Staten making it over Blackson, but I don’t think so.

Linebackers 8 (43)

Derrick Morgan, Brian Orakpo, and Avery Williamson are studs with assured spots. Wesley Woodyard is a team leader. He has a tentative hold on his starter’s spot, but his leadership cements a roster spot here. Aaron Wallace and Jayon Brown have been impressive all offseason. Erik Walden was signed late as a free agent and all of the quotes have been favorable about him. I haven’t noticed him doing all that much in preseason, but he must be doing well in practice. Daren Bates will be kept for his special teams value.

Sooo yes I have Kevin Dodd being cut or traded. I could see him being kept over Walden. I absolutely do not think they keep Dodd over Bates, Wallace, or Brown. Nate Palmer has been a valuable special teams player and a valuable backup, but …again with those three being better. Bates is also a better special teams linebacker than Justin Staples.

Josh Carraway has been impressive. His football intelligence has been obvious and he has really been something to watch as he learns the outside linebacker position. I am nervous of this, but I am predicting the Titans cross their fingers and hope he clears waivers to make the practice squad. That is a risky move, but I don’t see another way. The Titans have “too much” talent at linebacker this summer.

Cornerbacks 5 (48)

LeShaun Sims hasn’t lost his starting spot. Logan Ryan has started opposite Sims. Bryce McCain seems to be trying to hold off Adoree Jackson for his starting slot cornerback spot. Kalan Reed’s ability to play both safety and cornerback show obvious value. I’ve been quite impressed with the second year player. Curtis Riley can similarly play both cornerback and safety. I think the Titans will cut or trade McCain here. The younger players development has been so impressive that I think they must make a move toward the future here.

Safety 5(53)

Johnathan Cyprien and Kevin Byard are the starters with DaNorris Searcy getting plenty of reps as a key sub. Brynden Trawick is a special teams ace. I am at a point that I feel like there are too many players only playing special teams, but even still he will make it. Denzel Johnson has been fantastic in both preseason games. He can “fly” and is a terrific outfielder. During the season, Johnson’s presence deep could afford Byard the opportunity to roam and utilize his playmaking skills. While Byard is the free safety, I don’t think the Titans want him stuck deep playing outfielder too often. The other safeties don’t truly offer the same outfielder qualities as Johnson. They can fill in, but it’s not the same.

Jeremy Boykins should make the practice squad. The highly regarded high school recruit didn’t do much at UCF, but some could still be intrigued and grab him off waivers. I have enjoyed watching him. He is a special athlete and has done well at safety and cornerback. He needs more experience to crack this roster, so I figure he will be on the practice squad.

Ramifications, misunderstanding

This would not mean that Jon Robinson had a bad draft. Yes, I have Muhammad, Brad Seaton, and Corey Levin not making this team, but the rest are key players. The Titans haven’t been the best team the last few years so every draft pick made it or almost every one did. They are a good team and this happens. It’s not uncommon for players in the fifth through seventh rounds to not make a roster. There’s a misunderstanding out there about these late round players. The good PR from signing an undrafted free agent will outweigh the notion of him missing on a seventh rounder.

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