With training camp set to begin later this month, Redskins.com previews the current state of the Redskins' roster, continuing today with the team's running backs.
Running back remains one of the Redskins' strongest positions, as the team continues to have Alfred Morris at their disposal with Darrel Young -- a converted linebacker -- at fullback.Â
Before the Redskins head to Richmond for training camp, check out who all is on the roster position-by-position. Today, it is the running backs.
Heading to training camp at the Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center in Richmond, Va., though, the team has several youngsters eager to increase their playing time.Â
*ROSTER SUBTRACTIONS:Â *
--Roy Helu Jr. (signed with the Oakland Raiders)
KEY ADDITIONS:
--Matt Jones (drafted with the No. 95 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft)
CURRENT STATE OF THE UNIT:This group is once again headlined by two-time Pro Bowler Alfred Morris, who continues to impress after an unpredicted coming out party in 2012.
The fourth-year Florida Atlantic product continued his record pace during the 2014 season, as he rushed for 1,074 yards and eight touchdowns on 265 carries.
For his career in burgundy and gold, Morris has amassed 876 carries for 3,962 yards – sixth-most in franchise history -- and 28 touchdowns.
He is just 125 yards away from surpassing Terry Allen for the fifth-most rushing yards by a Redskins player.
While Morris isn't the biggest back in the NFL, Jones comes close, as he checks in at 6-foot-2, 231 pounds.
He played collegiately at Florida, where he appeared in 28 games, recording 297 career carries for 1,431 yards and 11 rushing touchdowns.
Chris Thompson is returning to the Redskins for a third season and is looking to make more of an impact on the field after two admittedly tough seasons.
He was in and out of the lineup as a rookie, appearing in four games -- mostly on special teams -- before being placed on Injured Reserve.
The Florida State product spent the majority of the 2014 season on the practice squad before getting called up to the active roster during a Week 15 tilt with the New York Giants.
He would score his first-career touchdown that game, a nine-yard reception.
Unlike Morris and Thompson, Silas Redd Jr. grabbed onto a roster spot as a college free agent last season.
The USC product impressed during the preseason and surpassed several of his drafted teammates for inclusion on the 53-man roster. Â
In backup duties, the 5-foot-10, 200 pounder recorded 16 carries for 75 yards and a touchdown.
Veteran Michael Hill is looking to remain on the Redskins after spending the last month of the 2014 regular season on the team's practice squad.
Originally a college free agent out of Missouri Western State, Hill has been a member of the San Diego Chargers, Green Bay Packers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Indianapolis Colts.
Perhaps the fastest running back in the group, Trey Williams signed with the Redskins as a college free agent in May.
To go along with 4.4 speed, Williams has experience in a top collegiate conference, as the former Texas A&M Aggie rushed for 1,343 yards and 36 touchdowns in 36 games with the program.
At fullback, Darrel Young is coming off a career year in which he scored five touchdowns and once again proved to be one of the best lead blockers in the NFL.
Young is joined by Jordan Campbell at the position, a 5-foot-11, 240 pound New Mexico Highlands product who has also played for the Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals.
WHAT TO WATCH:
While Morris will continue to be the Redskins' lead back, it's the battle behind him that'll be intriguing from the get-go.
Unlike the last two seasons when Helu Jr. was backing him up, the cast behind Morris is relatively young.
That doesn't mean there isn't talent among them, though.
Thompson and Williams can burn opponents with speed and agility, while Jones and Redd Jr. can churn up yards right through the defense.
The Redskins are also looking for more production from the unit – Morris included – in the passing game.
Also, as is the case for any of the fullbacks remaining in the NFL, Young's role in the offense could be something of note, as he's proven to be a goal-line monster over the years and can occasionally catch defenses off-guard with a few receptions.
REDSKINS IN RICHMOND:--Day 1: Quarterbacks
--Day 2: Defensive Linemen
--Day 3: Running Backs
--Day 4: Linebackers
--Day 5: Wide Receivers
--Day 6: Cornerbacks
--Day 7: Tight Ends
--Day 8: ???
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