Chargers training camp: 4 positional battles to watch

The Chargers are less than a week away from the start of training camp, and the anticipation is building.

>While most starting jobs and roster spots appear to be locked in at positions like quarterback, running back and safety, there are still several key roles that remain unsettled.

>Those battles will begin to take shape in the coming weeks. Heading into training camp, here are the four biggest postion groups still unclear.

Left guardThe left guard position will be one of the more intriguing battles entering training camp. The players fighting for the starting spot are veterans Kayode Awosika, Trevor Penning and second-round pick Jake Slaughter. Slaughter enters his first training camp having only played center at Flordia. Awosika appears to have the upper hand, as he received most of the work with the first-team offense during the spring.

Running backWhile Omarion Hampton is locked in as the featured starter, who will secure the primary change-of-pace duties is a competition in its own. Free-agent acquisition Keaton Mitchell brings explosive, home-run speed that fits the scheme perfectly, but he faces a strong challenge from Kimani Vidal, who proved his reliability with a productive 643-yard season last year.

SafetyDerwin James Jr. is arguably the best player at his position in the league, but he spends most of the time playing the Nickel role. Therefore, the Chargers need to identify the third safety alongside James and Elijah Molden. Tony Jefferson and R.J. Mickens got playing time next to Molden last season. But fourth-round pick Genesis Smith will also be pushing for the spot. Smith is coveted for his skills in coverage.

LinebackerDaiyan Henley is locked in as a starter in the middle of the defense. Denzel Perryman, who was re-signed to a one-year deal, is presumed to be the other. However, there are a few players who will be vying to start, with those being Troy Dye, Marlowe Wax, Del'Shawn Phillips, and Junior Colson, who has struggled to find his way to the field after dominating for head coach Jim Harbaugh at Michigan.

>This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers training camp: 4 positional battles to watch