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Detroit Lions rookie putting on a show at training camp

By Steven Mullenax

ALLEN PARK, MI - MAY 10: First round draft pick Ezekiel Ansah #94 of the Detroit Lions joint his teammates in the warmups prior to the start of the afternoon drills during the first day of Rookie Camp on May 10, 2013 in Allen Park, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
ALLEN PARK, MI - MAY 10: First round draft pick Ezekiel Ansah #94 of the Detroit Lions joint his teammates in the warmups prior to the start of the afternoon drills during the first day of Rookie Camp on May 10, 2013 in Allen Park, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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The Detroit Lions are hoping to revitalize their lifeless running game this season. Luckily a rookie is putting on a show for them at training camp.

Are the days of the Detroit Lions being in a running game drought about to be over? Surely the organization hopes so after their heavy investment this offseason.

The Lions front office pounced on their lowly rushing attack earlier this year through both free agency and the draft. This after their running game ranked dead last in the NFL for the second time in the past three years.

Motown added veteran running back LeGarrette Blount to their backfield via free agency. Coming off his third Super Bowl victory in the past four seasons, Blount is a downhill runner who should help Detroit in short yardage opportunities. That’s an area the Lions’ offense struggled in last season.

In the draft, the Motor City beefed up their offensive line by drafting Arkansas center Frank Ragnow with their first-round pick. Then, Detroit landed a steal in the fifth round with the selections of Oregon offensive tackle Tyrell Crosby. Touted as a possible second rounder, Crosby’s tumble down draft boards is the Lions’ gain as they found themselves a possible future starter.

But the biggest boost to Motown’s running game is second-round selection running back Kerryon Johnson. The Lions traded up in the draft to land the Auburn runner. And according to Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com, the rookie running back has been putting on a show early into training camp.

"“Play of the day: Give it to rookie running back Kerryon Johnson, who made a diving catch down the left sideline in a team period in front of linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin on a wheel route. Johnson has shown early on in camp he can be a weapon in the passing game. He’s really showing he can do it all.”"

Johnson is the clear favorite to win the starting running back role for the Detroit Lions this upcoming season. The 21-year old is a patient runner who also possesses a great combination of vision, quickness, and strength that the Lions have been missing for quite some time. Now that he is also showcasing his talents as a receiver, there is little doubt he should get the starting nod over veterans Blount and Theo Riddick.

Next. Who is the most versatile running back in Lions' history?. dark

During his final season at Auburn, Kerryon Johnson racked up 1,391 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns averaging 4.9 yards per carry. He also recorded 24 receptions for 194 yards and two more scores.

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