Redskins Training Camp Primer: Running Backs

We continue our positional look at the Redskins and set the table for training camp battles today with the group of running backs Mike Shanahan will bring to camp.

1. Tim Hightower: In my opinion Hightower is the starter from Week 1, which is a completely meaningless label. TIMMY! will be a valuable part of the running back rotation and will add a little thunder to Roy Helu's lightning. Hopefully he can channel some of his Cardinals days and become our touchdown vulture.

2. Roy Helu: Helu is the other important part of the starting equation in Washington. When he was given a starting opportunity last year he flourished. In his first three starts he scored two touchdowns and averaged 111 yards on the ground. But Helu hit an injury wall in his final two starts and averaged under 29 yards on the ground. He will be a valuable asset for Robert Griffin III, especially in the passing game, if he can stay healthy.

3. Evan Royster: Royster is another guy that flourished when given a starting opportunity. In Week 16 he replaced the injured Helu as the starter against the Vikings. Royster promptly ran for 132 yards and followed that up with a 113 yard performance against the Eagles. Nevertheless, the sophomore will have to battle for time on the field this year.

Personally I don't think Royster is anything special and still very much a developmental project. I believe Alfred Morris can be more valuable to this club in the long term more so than Royster. It'll be an interesting year, and likely a make or break year, for the DMV native.

4. Alfred Morris: Morris was a consistent star for the Florida Atlantic Owls and one of the best backs in Sun Belt Conference history. He began starting for the Owls his sophomore year and promptly averaged over 1,175 yards in his three years as a starter. He also knew who to find the end zone with over 30 touchdowns for FAU. I truly believe Morris will be the next late round draft pick that Mike Shanahan hangs his hat on.

Other running backs in camp: Antwon Bailey (rookie, Syracuse), Lennon Creer (rookie, Louisiana Tech), Tristan Davis (2nd Year, Auburn)