Redskins running backs coach Randy Jordan is trying to get the most out of this group, whether that means getting in their faces when they mess up on the field or providing constructive criticism in one form or another.

“They’re an eager group of guys and the number one thing, because they are so young, there are some learning curves that we’ve got to get through, some pains that we’ll have, but they are a terrific group. They don’t know everything, being young, so they’re real receptive to teaching and learning and new techniques.”

The team expects to see a big jump from Jones, who now steps in as the primary ballcarrier. He’s working on the fumbling issues that plagued him last season — five fumbles (four lost) in 13 games — with a special beeping football made by High and Tight Football that signals if the user has properly gripped all points of pressure.

“We’ve just made a really big emphasis on carrying it high and tight. Locking up the wrist, folding the arms over, running behind your pass. That’s part of holding on to the ball,” Jordan said. “If you don’t get the ball exposed, you won’t get holes. That’s my saying. We don’t want to get exposed and so when you have that ball, it’s always, it’s a memory, it’s a muscle thing, but you get a visual in terms of hearing it and when it’s not beeping properly, then you know you’re not holding the ball properly.”

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But beyond beeping footballs, Jordan is out on the football field continually trying to push his backs. He’s constantly seen barking at his position group, whether that’s after a strong finish to a play or when he notices a slight error in how someone attacks a hole in the line.

For the working relationship between Jones and Jordan, this back and forth will be crucial as the first-year starter tries to make the leap in becoming the primary running back for the Redskins, a year after finishing with 490 rushing yards on 144 attempts with three touchdowns.

“[Jones]’s a guy who you can really grind on and you can really coach hard. Some guys, they get in a shell when you yell at him or you’re like, ‘Hey man, that ain’t good enough.’ You challenge their manhood because there are times where I will do that. I’ve learned through him that he takes that pretty good.”

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With six weeks between minicamp and the official starts of the preseason with training camp, there’s still work to be done for Jones to make that leap. In Jones, Jordan sees a player “who’s really, really eager to show what he can do on a regular basis.” Whether or not Jones can overcome his issues with holding on to the football, bursting through holes and playing consistently, however, remains to be seen.

“[Jones]’s a guy, to inherit the position or to continue to do what he needs to do to be the number one guy, he’s got to hold on to the ball,” Jordan said. “Number two, he’s got to protect the quarterback and he’s shown through all the OTAs and minicamps that he’s willing to do that.”