Sep 26, 2011; Arlington, TX, USA; Washington Redskins running back Tim Hightower (25) runs for a touchdown in the thrd quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

This past weekend, Redskins running back Tim Hightower announced via his twitter account that he was returning by stating “Im baaaaaaaack” and posting a picture of him with a ‘Skins baseball hat.

I for one was extremely pleased to see a guy like Tim re-sign with a team that is building for the future, as his league experience will be crucial in teaching guys like Evan Royster and Roy Helu to learn the ropes.

I’m sure the newly crowned king of Washington, Robert Griffin III himself, won’t mind having a bruising back like Hightower around when guys like Jason Pierre-Paul and Jason Babin are coming after his head either.

Before Hightower’s mid-season injury, he had already racked up 321 yards, despite a poor offensive-line and sharing carries with Ryan Torrain. This year, a healthy Hightower along with a rising Roy Helu will form quite the tandem, and can quickly gain respect from around the league.

Along with his speed and excellent blocking, Hightower is a decent option for RG3 to throw to, as he showed that last year when he caught a few balls in the open field to help move the chains.

This year, with a some-what improved offensive line, a new signal-caller, and plenty of competition, I believe Hightower will rise above newcomers Roy Helu and Evan Royster to regain the starting job he deserves.

December 24, 2011; Landover, MD, USA; Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Erin Henderson (50) tackles Washington Redskins fullback Darrel Young (36) at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-US PRESSWIRE

The path to greatness wasn’t ideal for Darrel, as he left Villanova with aspirations to play in the National Football League. Darrel went undrafted and was signed by the Redskins in 2009 as a free agent. The Washington Fullback was recruited to Villanova as a running back but actually played linebacker and safety for Villanova where he had a very productive career. In 2007, he was 2nd on the team in tackles (78). In training camp, Washington was impressed with Young’s hitting power and with a nice set of hands to go with it, the team wanted to try him at fullback. This proved to be a smart move as Young has showed constant flashes of greatness on the field. With Sellers aging, it appears as though Washington has found their new answer at fullback with Young. But do I sense that Young could be the replacement for Sellers and Fletcher? It appears as though we have our very own Superman here in Washington.

Aug 8, 2011; Ashburn, VA, USA; Washington Redskins defensive tackle Jarvis Jenkins (99) runs around a blocking sled during training camp at Redskins Park. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-US PRESSWIRE

Jarvis didn’t have much time during his rookie season last year to prove his dominance on the front line of the Redskins’ defense due to tearing his ACL in a Pre-Season game versus Baltimore. The time Jenkins did have, he showed strong signs that he could be the same force in Washington that he was during his tenure at Clemson. The 2nd round draft pick (41st overall), came into Washington with high hopes to fill the void left by Haynesworth and he doesn’t plan to disappoint. I believe that being injured so early into the season gives Jenkins the best chance to fully develop himself back to 100% health. Also injuring his knew gave him ample time to further solidify his upper body strength which is extremely important for a defensive lineman. I anticipate Jenkins stepping right in and making an immediate impact for the Washington defense this year.

November 20, 2011; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins running back Roy Helu (29) runs with the ball as Dallas Cowboys inside linebacker Sean Lee (50) attempts the tackle in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. The Cowboys won 27-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-US PRESSWIRE

Roy Helu, drafted in the 4th round of the 2011 draft (105th overall), was not expected to be an instant contributor to the Redskins. The injuries to Tim Hightower and Ryan Torain caused Washington to insert Helu into the spotlight earlier than expected. Mr. Helu did not disappoint! In fact, Washington altered the way they got the ball into Helu’s hands by using him frequently on screens out of the backfield and by switching from hand offs to tosses. Helu accumulated 640 rushing yards and hauled in 49 receptions during his rookie campaign and has Washington confident that they already have their answer at running back. The question is,” Is he the guy?”

Other notable youth that deserve to be mentioned are Evan Royster, Leonard Hankerson, Niles Paul, Dejon Gomes.

Each of these young Redskins at some point of the season showed why they belong on an active NFL roster. This can only mean good things moving forward in Washington. Hopefully with the added depth joining the team via free agency and the 2012 draft, Washington can finally say they have a strong foundation of youth to build on for the future of the franchise. Don’t look now, but it looks like the Redskins of old are long gone!

 @The_SkinsSource

After a few notable Running Back acquisitions this off-season, let’s take a look at who now has a formidable backfield. Here are the top Running back duos based off of their current rosters:

Jan 14, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) rushes up field against the New Orleans Saints during the fourth quarter of the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Candlestick Park. San Francisco defeated New Orleans 36-32. Mandatory Credit: Jason O. Watson-US PRESSWIRE

5) 49ers – Frank Gore & Kendall Hunter

Their role is important in this offense even though the pass game gets way more attention. This season will be 1 of the more controversial for Frank Gore because he’s going to have to share the ball with more than just Kendall Hunter, he now has Randy Moss, who has been known to ask for his share of the ball in a very abrasive manner. In years past it has been the Frank Gore-Vernon Davis show, these new pieces may decrease numbers.

Mar 26; Florham Park, NJ, USA; Newly acquired New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow addresses the media at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-US PRESSWIRE

4) Jets – Shonn Greene & Tim Tebow (Tomlinson?)

This new wildcat system that will be implemented in New York will either be a tremendous success or an epic failure. Rex Ryan has established that he will be committed to the run and passing the ball is an after-thought. The addition of Tim Tebow only adds to this notion. Most analysts have been discussing the controversy between Tebow and Sanchez but it’ll be interesting to see how effects Shonn Greene as well.

July 29, 2011; St. Joseph, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) walks off the field after training camp at Missouri Western State University. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-US PRESSWIRE

3) Chiefs – Jamaal Charles & Peyton Hillis (Thomas Jones?)

Decent move by the Chiefs to grab what has the potential to be a great running back in Peyton Hillis. Charles suffered a nasty injury last season so Hillis can be expected to carry some of the load until Jamaal is back in full form.

Jan 15, 2012; Baltimore, MD, USA; Houston Texans running back Arian Foster (23) attempts to elude Baltimore Ravens cornerback Lardarius Webb (21) in the AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens at M

2) Houston – Arian Foster & Ben Tate

Statistically, this is 1 of the more underrated tandems in the NFL. Houston had the 2^nd ranked rushing offense being led by their star Arian Foster, but let’s not forget Ben Tate who was 58 yards shorts of a 1000yd season. Once they have their starting QB back I expect them to have another dominant rushing season.

Dec 4, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) runs onto the field prior to a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Soldier Field. The Chiefs defeated the Bears 10-3. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-US PRESSWIRE

1) Bears – Matt Forte & Michael Bush

Great pickup by the bears. It will be interesting to see how this works out since Michael Bush left Oakland because he didn’t want to play 2^nd fiddle to Run DMC (Darren McFadden). If all goes well, they will be virtually unstoppable and eerily reminiscent of Larry Johnson & Priest Holmes of the good ole Chiefs.

Sep 26, 2011; Arlington, TX, USA; Washington Redskins running back Tim Hightower (25) runs with the ball against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

Sleeper:

Washington Redskins – Roy Helu, Ryan Torrain and hopefully Tim Hightower.

The Redskins have plenty of young talent at the Running Back position but I do hope they bring back Tim Hightower (on a reasonable contract) because his impact was definitely felt prior to his injury. He thrived in the zone blocking offense and could provide veteran leadership in what will become a very young offense with the predicted addition of the new young Quarterback.

Additionally, stay tuned for my playoff picks once the regular season approaches.  A few teams listed here have a strong chance of making a playoff run (pun intended).

Follow Me on Twitter: @Eat_My_Sports

Post By ~Kareem Shakoor