Fall camp preview: Tailbacks

Over the next couple of weeks, PowerMizzou.com will get Tiger fans set for fall camp with an in-depth breakdown at every position. We will outline the likely starters headed into fall camp, highlight a few backups who could challenge for a job, and set the scene with the major camp storylines at each spot. This will be a special free series on the site, every day for the next ten days. Today, we look at the tailbacks:

The Starter: Derrick Washington enters his third season as a starter. As a sophomore, D-Wash broke out with more than 1,000 yards and 17 touchdowns. Last year, the numbers dipped to 804 yards and 10 scores. Still solid, but off the 2008 pace. Washington has dropped ten pounds and had a fantastic spring, including four touchdowns in just seven carries in one scrimmage.

The Backups: De'Vion Moore and Kendial Lawrence both saw plenty of action last year. The duo combined for 450 yards on 109 carries in backing up Washington. Both will see carries this season as well, though the No. 2 job is up for grabs entering camp.

The Top Story: While it will be interesting to see how carries are distributed-especially between Moore and Lawrence-the bigger story has nothing to do with personnel. Will there be any tweaks to the scheme in the running game? Will Missouri remain committed to it? At times last year, the entire offense seemed to be sitting on Blaine Gabbert's shoulders. If Missouri wants to reach nine wins or more, that can't be the case in 2010. In addition, are any of the true freshman running backs good enough to make a run at playing time? Stay tuned.

Nobody covers the Tigers year-round like PowerMizzou.com. We will preview fall camp with daily stories leading up to the first practice on August 5th. If you are not yet a member, just try out our free seven-day trial.