· Listen to Call ))· Transcript.pdf)

· Listen to Call ))· Transcript

profile is of a competitive, between-the-tackles runner who has grinded out the yards but is missing a speed burst.

"We wanted competition at the position and he has the potential carry-the-load guy for us in the future," offensive coordinator Todd Haley said. "I liken him a little bit to (Dallas') Marion Barber who had some of the same (speed) issues. The thing we like about Tim, he has a chip on his shoulder. Those are the guys we have success with."

"Plus," Haley said, referencing Hightower's recommendation by running backs coach Maurice Carthon, "Mo guaranteed our money back."

Haley said he wasn't worried about Hightower's 40 times, saying those can be "overrated, especially at that position."

Hightower, who ran for 1,829 yards and 20 touchdowns as a senior, not surprisingly agreed.

"I don't think in any way that 40 is a reflection of the type of back I am," Hightower said. "I am going to make plays, I am going to work hard, I am going to help my team win. I don't think it can be measured in numbers or combine stats or anything like that."

Hightower gives the Cardinals five competing tailbacks, along with starter Edgerrin James, Marcel Shipp, J.J. Arrington and Steve Baylark.

Hightower is likely more of a project, as will be Iwebema – the team's second drafted end, after it took Calais Campbell in the second round.

In both cases with the defensive ends, defensive line coach Ron Aiken's name was in the mix. After Campbell specifically talked about how good of a teacher Aiken was and how much he wanted to work with Aiken, the Cards took Iwebema – whom Aiken recruited and coached for Iowa prior to Aiken coming to work for the Cardinals.

"With Calais he gives us two good young defensive ends to back up Darnell (Dockett) and Antonio (Smith)," Aiken said.

Aiken downplayed his role in finding Iwebema.