Jim Wyatt

jwyatt@tennessean.com

Prior to taking over as head coach of the Titans in January, Ken Whisenhunt only knew of center Brian Schwenke from his studies leading up to the 2013 NFL Draft.

Whisenhunt was with the Chargers at the time. Schwenke was a prospect out of California.

"I liked him coming out," Whisenhunt said of Schwenke, who went to the Titans in the fourth round. "He is a big guy, but he is athletic. He is more athletic than you'd think."

Whisenhunt is impressed for another reason as well: Schwenke has exceeded the team's expectations while recovering from offseason ankle surgery. Limited earlier in organized team activities, Schwenke has recently participated in more team drills.

"To be quite honest with you, I was shocked at how well he did when he came back," Whisenhunt said. "He is moving well. We have limited him with the numbers he is getting, but when he has been in there he has looked good."

Schwenke had nine starts as a rookie last season, but he suffered a high-ankle sprain in November against the Jaguars. It hampered him during the season and ultimately required surgery.

Listed at 6-foot-3 and 318 pounds, Schwenke said he's feeling better each day. He lost some weight this offseason and said he's in good shape.

"I am good. I feel good. They have been easing me in because my ankle is still healing, but it is going well," Schwenke said. "I am just excited about what's ahead. I feel a lot more comfortable heading into year two. Last year I was more nervous than excited. This year, I'm excited about getting going."