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Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp: Storylines, camp battles and expectations

By Larry Brake

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 18: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and head coach Bruce Arians of the Arizona Cardinals shake hands following the 40-7 NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 18, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 18: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and head coach Bruce Arians of the Arizona Cardinals shake hands following the 40-7 NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 18, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 23: Peyton Barber #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers breaks away from Taco Charlton #97, Randy Gregory #94, and #25 of the Dallas Cowboys in the third quarter at AT&T Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 23: Peyton Barber #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers breaks away from Taco Charlton #97, Randy Gregory #94, and #25 of the Dallas Cowboys in the third quarter at AT&T Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

Biggest Camp Battle: Can Peyton Barber keep starting RB job?

Which running back will win the starting job: Peyton Barber or Ronald Jones? The running back position will be the fiercest camp battle in 2019. Who has the edge entering training camp?

Barber led the team in rushing last season with 871 yards. Jones ran for only 44 yards on 23 carries in his rookie season. Former Arizona running back (under Arians) Andre Ellington is on the current Buccaneers roster as well. The battle for the starting job will definitely be between Barber and Jones, though.

The two candidates to win the job are similar physically. They stand 5-11 and weigh in around 220 pounds. Jones has added some weight over the offseason to beef up to 221 pounds.

Barber begins his fourth season in Tampa Bay. He has rushed for 1,517 yards with nine touchdowns. He has caught 41 passes for 234 yards with one touchdown. Jones was a rookie last season. He played sparingly behind Barber and others. He is looking to have a breakout season this year. However, there is a wildcard in the mix.

Ellington is very familiar with the Arians offensive philosophy. He was taken by Arians in the sixth round of the 2013 draft. Like Gabbert, Ellington might find playing time.

The running back job will be a worth watching. Barber has the edge over Jones but things could change as camp progresses. It should be interesting to follow.

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