CHARGERS: Backup Bolts prove to be ram tough

Hester, Sproles impress in bid to follow Tomlinson

By MIKE SULLIVAN - Staff Writer | Friday, August 15, 2008 5:17 PM PDT ∞

Chargers running back Jacob Hester fights for yards as the Cowboys' Patrick Watkins tries to bring him down during a game last Saturday. Hester made a positive impression, scoring two touchdowns. Photo by Denis Poroy - Associated Press.

ST. LOUIS ---- Jacob Hester has proven to be exactly as advertised during Chargers training camp: tough, durable and a true gamer.

The third-round pick in April's draft will never pack the flash and dash of starting running back LaDainian Tomlinson, but he isn't shy about supplying lumber and thunder.

"He's that type of player," quarterback Philip Rivers said. " 'Let me run into somebody and run tough.' "

Hester aims for a second consecutive impressive preseason showing when the Chargers play the St. Louis Rams on Saturday night at the Edward Jones Dome.

In the Chargers' preseason opener against Dallas last Saturday, Hester rushed for 49 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries. His most impressive run was a 21-yard gain off the left side.

"He's got a knack for running the football," Chargers coach Norv Turner said. "He's a good football player and he brings that energy that you want to the football team."

Hester is competing with Darren Sproles for the backup tailback spot, but it is clear both will have a role during the regular season.

Sproles has impressive speed and elusiveness and can cause major damage on the flank. Hester, who is 5-foot-11, 225 pounds, has the ability to get the tough yards inside.

Both players will see extended duty against the Rams since Tomlinson sits out preseason games.

"It's a good opportunity for me and Darren with L.T. not playing in the preseason," Hester said. "It gives us a chance to get in there against other team's ones on defense and kind of show the team that we'll be able to back up L.T. during the season ---- kind of give them confidence to put us in there when L.T. needs a spell.

"This preseason is really important for me and Darren."

The battle for the backup position is among the few intriguing competitions in camp. Reliable No. 2 Michael Turner left for the Atlanta Falcons as a free agent after last season and the Chargers need someone to fill his role.

Tomlinson is breathing easier this week after getting a chance to see Hester in game action.

"I thought Hester did a great job," Tomlinson said. "I was really impressed. They say he don't have any moves, but I saw him make Pacman (Adam Jones) miss. Then he gave the safety the stiff-arm, which I liked.

"Hester, he reminds me a little bit of Michael Turner, just for his power ---- being able to run through people. Both of them got very strong lower bodies and can really run through people. He is similar to Michael in that way."

Hester rushed for 1,103 yards and 12 touchdowns last season while helping LSU win the BCS national championship. Playing at a high-profile school gave some Chargers a chance to see him and form an opinion.

"Before I even met him, I said 'He's a football player,' " Rivers said. "That's the kind of guy you want on your side."

Hester smiles when Rivers' comments are relayed to him ---- he's heard it many times.

"That means a lot," Hester said. "That's what I think of myself ---- just a football player. I'm not too flashy and not this and that.

"But when it comes down to it, I just love to play football. So that's kind of the mind-set that I have going into the game. Just do as much as I can."

Hester said he'll receive a workload against the Rams that is similar to the one he had against Dallas. He said he quickly got into a rhythm against the Cowboys, and that showed with his strong performance.

Sproles carried five times against Dallas, rushing for 7 yards and a touchdown. He also turned a short pass into a 21-yard gain.

Sproles appreciates the chance to run the ball on first and second downs since the majority of his offensive touches last season came on third down.

"That felt pretty good," Sproles said. "They gave me a lot of inside runs and stuff like that.

"Before when I came in, I would run a (pass) route. Or I'd get a draw. But now, (defenses) have to play me honest when I come in."

Chargers notes

CB Antonio Cromartie had a cyst removed from his wrist Friday and didn't travel with the team to St. Louis. Cromartie, who also has been nursing a tender ankle, is expected to return to practice on Monday. ... DT Jamal Williams (knees) and FB Andrew Pinnock (knee) also will miss Saturday's game. ... The Chargers attracted 28,507 fans to their 13 open training camp practices. That topped last season's total of 23,158.

Contact staff writer Mike Sullivan at (760) 739-6645 or msullivan@nctimes.com.