NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Spring practice is just a tease of what's to come -- a few days in May to whet appetites for September's football feast, the regular season.

That's four months away, but Tennessee Titans defensive line coach Jim Washburn is already there.

"I just like to see guys flying around, having fun, enjoying the game, and have passion for it," he said. "I love football, you know? I've never been very good at anything, but I like football, and I like to see people that like it like we do."

He's found one, dressed in Albert Haynesworth's old No. 92.

New addition defensive end Larry "The Locomotive" Birdine is full-steam, high-energy, with talent that goes beyond the field.

"He's a fun guy. He's the only guy I know that can take a half a can of snuff and put it in a dip at one time," said Washburn. "He is a neat guy, he's got a great outlook, and he's got some ability, and we just really like him."

Birdine is trying to make his name known in order to make the team. Helmet off, holding on, he tussled and introduced himself to bad boy offensive linemen David Stewart.

"You got to bring it, man. You can't be pushed around. You got to let everybody know that you mean business," said Birdine. "You want to be mean out there and get the job done."

He'll need that attitude if he makes the team. Washburn's coaching wisdom will help.

But it's not easy; even making it just guarantees a spot doing hand-to-hand, hard-nosed combat.

That's everyday life on the defensive line.