Roy Helu

Roy Helu, Jr. (born December 7, 1988) is an American football running back for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League (NFL). He was selected in the fourth round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Redskins. He played college football for the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

On November 6, 2011, in a game against the 49ers, Helu set the Redskins' franchise record of most receptions in single game with 14 catches.

High school career
As a high school football player at San Ramon Valley High School, Helu was a successful running back and return man, who also played some free safety.

In his junior year at San Ramon Valley Helu ran for 1,526 yards rushing and scored 19 touchdowns on 186 carries, and averaged 8.6 yards per carry. He also had 30 receptions for 500 yards receiving and four touchdowns, which earned him All-East Bay League honors.

During Helu's senior year, he helped San Ramon Valley to a 10-2 record in 2006. He finished his senior year with 1,085 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns. He had 300 yards receiving on 20 receptions and 1 touchdown, and also recorded one interception as a free safety. He earned first-team all-league honors his senior year as a running back.

College career
Despite fighting injuries, Helu rushed for over 1,000 yards each of his last two years at Nebraska. He is 4th on the Huskers all time rushing list, and broke Nebraska's single-game rushing record by rushing for 307 yards and scoring three touchdowns vs. Missouri on October 30, 2010. He is known for his one-cut running style and hurdling ability.

2011 Season
Helu was selected 105th overall in the 2011 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins; eight running backs were selected ahead of Helu. He would later be joined by Nebraska teammates, DeJon Gomes and Niles Paul, who were drafted after him. On November 6, 2011 in his first career start, Helu broke the Redskins all-time record for receptions in a game with 14 catches, in a loss against the San Francisco 49ers. The following two weeks, in losses to Miami and Dallas, Helu had a combined 14 rushes and 5 receptions as Coach Mike Shanahan split running back duties between Helu and Ryan Torain. Coach Shanahan said, “I like Helu, he’s doing some great things. I don’t want to put too much pressure on him too early. He’s not ready for that. But he’s gaining experience, and I like what I see.”

On November 27, 2011, Helu rushed for a Redskins rookie-record 108 yards on 23 carries and a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks' top-ten ranked run defense. While running for a touchdown, he hurdled Seahawks cornerback, Roy Lewis. He was then named the full-time starter by Coach Shanahan, and responded with two consecutive 100 yard performances. Following his 126 yard performance against the New England Patriots, Helu led all active rookies in rush yards. His streak of three consecutive 100 yard games is the most by any Redskins rookie in franchise history; a record he was unable to extend to four games due to an injury he sustained. At the end of the 2011 NFL season, Helu was Redskins' leader in rushing yards. On January 16, 2012, Helu along with fellow rookie, Ryan Kerrigan, were named to the Pro Football Weekly/Pro Football Writers of America all-rookie team.

2012 Season
After the NFL changed the rule in 2012 to allow players' jerseys to include generational titles in their names, Helu adopted "Jr." to the back of his jersey. He was expected to compete for the starting spot in the 2012 season against Tim Hightower and Evan Royster, but ended up losing the competition to rookie Alfred Morris. His second season was cut short after being placed on injured reserve on September 26, 2012 due to lower leg injuries and turf toe. He finished the season with two rushing yards and 45 receiving yards on seven receptions.

Personal
Helu (pronounced HEH-loo) was born to Roy Helu, Sr. and Kilistofa (Kristi) Helu on December 7, 1988 in Danville, California. Helu is of Tongan descent.

His father played for the United States in the 1987 Rugby World Cup. Helu is a devout Christian.

Helu is married to retired professional volleyball player and fellow Nebraska Cornhusker alum, Dani Mancuso.