By John P. Wise
Enquirer contributor

Tennessee Titan Rocky Boiman has played primarily special teams in his young NFL career, but it was his play at linebacker that was special enough to earn him AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.

Boiman, a 1998 St. Xavier High graduate who later played at Notre Dame, stepped in for starter Peter Sirmon in the first quarter of the Titans' game at Pittsburgh last Sunday and stole the show.

In the second quarter, Boiman sacked Steelers quarterback Tommy Maddox in the end zone for a safety. In the fourth quarter, he intercepted a Maddox pass and returned it 60 yards for a touchdown to help seal a 30-13 win. Boiman finished with eight tackles on defense and two more on special teams.

"It's just a matter of keeping yourself ready each week, because sooner or later, you're going to get that call," he said. "And when it comes, you want to be prepared so you can step in and do your job well."

Boiman said being a backup is frustrating for someone who knows he can play like a starter. He said his performance Sunday shouldn't have surprised anybody.

"I wouldn't say there were any surprises, because I know what I can do," he said. "It was just nice to have the chance to do it."

Boiman boasted of his preparation habits and said they'll be tested now that he's starting in Sirmon's place. Sirmon, who is recovering from a back injury, should return by the end of the month.

"I've always liked to study the game and study film," Boiman said. "Now I'll be getting more reps in practice, so I'll be studying things more urgently and concentrating a little better if I can."

This week's opponent, the New England Patriots, have a potentially problematic offense that can be challenging, Boiman said.

"They can throw a lot of things at you," he said. "They've got some dangerous receivers and a couple good running backs, so you have to be ready for a lot of different things when you play them."

In Tennessee, Boiman plays alongside running back Eddie George, who won the Heisman Trophy at Ohio State. George apparently likes to remind his teammates who is football's reigning national champion.

"He never misses a chance to talk about it in the locker room," Boiman said.

Boiman said he keeps in touch with several former high school teammates from St. Xavier, as well as legendary coach Steve Rasso.

"My dad played for Coach Rasso at La Salle in 1971, so it was an honor to play for him at St. X," Boiman said. "I'll talk to him once or twice a year. It was also nice to see (former Bombers teammate and current Washington Redskins linebacker) Lemar Marshall last year when we played the Redskins."

Boiman splits his offseason time between Nashville and Cincinnati. His family lives in Harrison, and Boiman said he's debating a trip home during the Titans' Nov. 2 bye week. That weekend is the first round of the Ohio high school playoffs; the 5-1 Bombers seem a likely participant.

"I'd like to get up there that weekend, but we'll see," he said. "Maybe I can catch a St. X game if they're in the playoffs."

Also by then, Boiman hopes to be more of a contributor for the Titans as they pursue another trip to the postseason.

In the meantime, Boiman has a new way of keeping busy away from the football field.

"The phone's been ringing off the hook this week," Boiman said. "I've been talking to a lot of people, but it's been fun."

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