Hightower comes over from Arizona in trade
Tim Hightower is leaving the team that drafted him but in return for this: a chance to compete for a starting job and to play in front of family and friends. So, yes, he welcomed a trade that will send him from Arizona to Washington.
“I’m coming back home,” he said. “I’m excited.”
The Redskins acquired High?tower in exchange for defensive end Vonnie Holliday and an undisclosed draft pick, based on Hightower’s playing time this season. High?tower was born in Alexandria and attended Episcopal High School.
There was some doubt Sunday night whether Holliday would report. When asked via text whether he was going to do so, he replied, “Keep u posted!!!” If he does not report, Holliday would be fined according to terms of the new collective bargaining agreement.
| Notes |
| » If receiver Santana Moss was tempted to leave via free agency, he remembered a story from his high school days. Back then, he said he wasn’t getting a lot of passes. So entering his junior year he told his dad he wanted to change schools. His reply: “Maybe you’ll learn something else.” Moss stayed and in his senior year he caught more passes and his team won a state championship. And a lesson was learned. “Sometimes it’s not always best to go anywhere,” Moss said. “I feel we can get it done with the people and the players that we have here.” |
| » The Redskins signed former Michigan linebacker Obi Ezah, according to the Detroit Free Press. He was a four-year starter at Michigan but went undrafted. He projects to an inside linebacker in a 3-4. |
| » Coach Mike Shanahan gave the players Sunday off, a rarity considering it’s only the third day of camp. But he’s concerned about overworking the players after no offseason sessions and getting them hurt. They also have next Sunday off. |
| POSITION REVIEW |
| Linebackers |
| Perry Riley |
| With Rocky McIntosh likely done in Washington, Robert Henson (knee) still sidelined and Lorenzo Alexander learning the position, Riley is the lone player with experience at the inside linebacker spot opposite London Fletcher. “He’s very athletic,” defensive coordinator Jim Haslett said. “He needs time on the grass. He needs work. The more time he gets the better he’s going to get. … I feel good about Perry.” |
| Brian Orakpo |
| One of the best drills to watch in practice involves the pass rushers going against the offensive linemen. It provides an opportunity to see the Orakpo’s explosiveness up close, not to mention his ability to stay low, trying to get the edge. Orakpo showed those skills Saturday, knocking second-year tackle Selvish Capers off-balance a couple times and drawing holding penalties. But second-year left tackle Trent Williams, highlighting his athleticism, was able to recover when Orakpo tried to overpower him one time and go around him another. Orakpo spent the offseason trying to learn more pass-rush moves; he used three different ones against Williams. |
| Ryan Kerrigan |
| Kerrigan’s absence because of the bone bruise on his right knee won’t help him as he transitions to outside linebacker after playing end in college. The Redskins don’t expect him to miss much time, but thanks to the lockout even a few days off can hurt. When Andre Carter made the switch last season, he said learning to rush from a two-point stance took time. Kerrigan also has to get used to reading offenses from this spot; at end, he mostly worried about the offensive tackle. At outside linebacker he’ll need to pay attention to much more. |
The Redskins also solidified their offensive line, re-signing right tackle Jammal Brown to a five-year deal worth $27.5 million, with a little more than $8 million guaranteed. He had been their No. 1 target at right tackle. Brown started 14 games at right tackle last season.
In three seasons with Arizona, the 6-foot, 222-pound Hightower rushed for 1,733 yards and 23 touchdowns in 36 starts. He also caught 118 passes for 801 yards. Last season was his best. Hightower started 13 games and rushed for 736 yards, averaging 4.8 a carry.
He provides the Redskins needed depth at running back. Ryan Torain, coming off a career-best 742-yard season, is the most experienced back. The Redskins also drafted two players: Roy Helu (fourth round) and Evan Royster (sixth round).
Hightower said he’s coming here to win a starting job.
“Absolutely,” he said. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
He’s aware of coach Mike Shanahan’s success with running backs through the years, but that’s not his focus.
“I don’t get caught up in the system,” he said. “I’m excited about it; I know what Mike Shanahan’s backs have done, and he’s done a tremendous job coaching them. But … I don’t think anything is ever guaranteed just because you’re going somewhere. I’ve had a great offseason, and I feel I’m in the best shape of my life.”
