Eagles Training Camp Battle: Ryan Moats vs. Nate Ilaoa

Training camp is finally here and FanHouse breaks down the most important position battles heading into the season, team by team.

The running back situation in Philly is an interesting one. Brian Westbrook is the star of the Eagles potent offense, but after him, things in the Birds backfield should get interesting this off season.

In the third round of this year's draft, the Eagles selected Penn State's Tony Hunt much to the delight of Philadelphia's Nittany Lion contingent. The way the Eagles value their draft picks, Hunt would be the next likely running back added to the mix. Going along with that theory, the Eagles third round choice from 2005, Ryan Moats will most certainly be fighting for a spot on the roster this season. Moats has failed to live up to expectations and has reportedly had some trouble remembering plays. He says he's ready to show what he is made of this season. Training camp will certainly be a make or break time in Moats career.

Add into the mix the bowling ball that is Nate Illaoa, who the Eagles recently inked to a four your deal, and you have one full backfield. But the battle doesn't stop there. We can't forget oft-injured Correll Buckhalter who had a solid year in 2006 and is reportedly in the best shape of his career this off season.

My prediction: Westbrook, Hunt, and Buckhalter will be the three backs on the opening day roster but Ilaoa and Moats will see some action in 2007. Having this many quality backs is certainly a problem Andy Reid will enjoy this camp.

Other potential Eagles fighting for spots: It's not often that their is a battle at the punter position, but with the import of Australian Footballer Saverio Rocca, Dirk Johnson is going to have to earn his job this camp.

Training camp battles: See them all