Editor’s Note: While we are aware of the allegations currently facing Weaver, we won’t comment on that situation until it is resolved.
In the Tennessee Titans’ preseason opener against the Atlanta Falcons on Friday, rookie defensive lineman Rashad Weaver was a clear stand out during the Titans’ 23 to 3 victory.
Quick Background
Weaver was the 135th overall pick in the 4th round of the 2021 NFL Draft for the Tennessee Titans. He played for the Pittsburgh Panthers from 2016- 2020, missing the 2019 season after suffering from a torn ACL. Weaver went to high school in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he played for Cooper City High School and earned the All-Broward County award during his senior year.
The Start of College
Weaver redshirted his freshman year in 2016, but he played all 12 games during his sophomore season. He started five of those 12 at defensive end during his first active season. Weaver racked up 28 tackles, six tackles for loss, three sacks, and three pass breakups in 2017 for the Panthers. That season, he had a career-high eight tackles against Syracuse.
Junior Year
During Weaver’s junior season in 2018, he started all 14 games at defensive end for Pitt. He recorded 47 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, four pass breakups, three fumble recoveries, and two forced fumbles for the season. Weaver led the Panthers in sacks, tackles for loss, and fumble recoveries. He tied for the ACC lead and was ranked sixth nationally for fumble recoveries.
The End of College
Although Weaver missed the 2019 season with an ACL injury, he stayed at Pitt for his last year of eligibility as a fifth year senior. Weaver earned first-team All-America honors from the Associated Press, the American Football Coaches Association, the Football Writers Association of America, and the Walter Camp Football Foundation. He also earned this honor from CBS Sports, ESPN, and Pro Football Focus as well. Additionally, Weaver was a semifinalist for the Bednarik Award, which is presented to the national defensive player of the year.
While Weaver was at Pitt in 2020, he compiled 35 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery during his nine starts that season. Weaver led the ACC in sacks per game (0.83) and tackles for loss (1.61) that season. After the conclusion of the season, Weaver was invited to play in the Reese’s Senior Bowl all-star game and also received the Panther Award from Pittsburgh, an award given to senior student-athletes who represented the university through athletic achievements.
Mr. Friday Night Lights
During the Tennessee Titans win over the Falcons on Friday night, Weaver recorded 1.5 sacks and two tackles for loss in Atlanta. Last year, the Titans’ sack leader was Harold Landry with just 5.5 over the entire season.
Although it is only the first game of preseason, Weaver played phenomenal and he is the explosive defensive end that the Titans have been looking for. The Titans head to Tampa Bay on Saturday to face the Buccaneers for game two of preseason.
