University of Richmond Athletics
Former Spider Tim Hightower Enjoys Career Day In First NFL Start
Nov. 2, 2008
ST. LOUIS, Mo. - Former Richmond Spider Tim Hightower earned his first career start for the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, and the rookie responded with the best game of his young career in a 34-13 win at St. Louis.
Hightower, a fifth-round pick who got the start ahead of veteran back Edgerrin James, had 109 yards on 22 carries -- by far his best effort. He was untouched on a career-long 30-yard touchdown run after breaking a pair of tackles at the line.
Hightower's touchdown gave Arizona a 17-7 lead and was part of five-consecutive scores by the Cards after St. Louis opened the scoring with an 80-yard TD pass.
The Spider now has seven touchdowns in his eight-game NFL career, tying him with the Redskins' Clinton Portis and the Giants' Brandon Jacobs for the NFC lead. Only Lendale White (Tennessee) and Ronnie Brown (Miami) have more in the NFL this season.
But Sunday served as a breakout game for Hightower, who was averaging little more than six carries and 16 yards in his role as the short-yardage and goal-line back.
Hightower said he didn't know he'd be starting until just before game time.
"I expect to do whatever they tell me to do," Hightower said. "That's one thing I try not to focus on, how many carries I'm going to get or what I'm going to do."
The win moved Arizona to 5-3 on the season and comfortably in control of the NFC West.
Hightower was the Cardinals' first 100-yard rusher since James on Dec. 30, 2007 against the Rams.
Arizona hosts San Francisco (2-6) next Sunday.