Running back is one of the most intriguing positions for the Detroit Lions this season, and training camp will be the first real glimpse into who will win the battle for the starting gig. With Reggie Bush’s departure, Joique Bell, Ameer Abdullah and Theo Riddick will all be jockeying for position on the depth chart.

Bell has his first chance in his career to be the lead dog, but he will have to fight for it. Abdullah is an explosive rookie loaded with talent, and many people believe he will emerge as the starter by midseason. However, Bell will not go down without a fight.

Bell is coming off of his most productive season in 2014. He rushed for 860 yards and seven touchdowns, while adding 322 receiving yards and another score through the air. He never registered a carry until he joined the Lions in 2012, but has provided the Lions with a powerful back who is not afraid to set the tone.

Although Bell did not see much of the field until 2012, he has been in the league since 2010. He is entering his sixth season. By season start Bell will be 29 – inching ever so closely to the most dreaded age for running backs everywhere (30). With Abdullah hot on his heels and Riddick likely to earn his fair share of snaps, Bell must prove his age will not slow him down.

The Lions found a local product in Bell, who played his college ball at Wayne State right in the heart of Detroit. He won the Harlon Hill Trophy in 2009 as a senior, which is given to the NCAA Division II top player. Bell also hails from Benton Harbor, Mich. He was undrafted in 2010, and had minor stints with the Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles and New Orleans Saints before joining the Lions. It was quite fitting that he found success right in the Motor City.

Bell missed most of OTAs and minicamp earlier this offseason after minor surgeries on his knees and Achilles, but he is expected to be healthy for training camp. Confidence is definitely not something Bell lacks. He was recently quoted as saying that he will rush for a minimum of 1,200 yards and that he would be “surprised” if he rushes for anything less than that, but added he “wouldn’t be surprised at all” if he rushed for more.

Detroit has made it clear that it wants to put much more of an emphasis on the running game in 2015. With three capable running backs, the Lions are likely to use a committee approach. However, somebody has to carry the bulk of the load. We will have to wait and see if that is Bell, or somebody else.