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In the beginning, most team's offenses were run through multi-back formations, and FBs were frequently stars of the team: some specialized in running, some as receivers, some as lead blockers, and then their were the jack-of-all trade types who did all three well.
Then the HBs gradually started getting more carries, and the game became more passing-oriented. Fullbacks saw fewer snaps, some were valued exclusively as lead lockers, and the position became something of a dinosaur in the pro game.
But from what I see right now, the trends seem to be tweener guys, like the flex TE, Aaron Hernandez and Delanie Walker as H-backs, the DB/LB tweener, and the TE position in general. Of the up-and coming TE prospects, could certain ones evolve into triple-threat guys who can catch, lock, and run? A scenario could be having a shorter, quicker TE that can line up as the slot TE in running play from a twin TE set, and either stay on the line and block, or the QB can audible to come into the backfield and either lead block or take the handoff on a gut.
Packers Kuhn is a good example. They list him as FB and he does many things every game. Aaron says on his radio show, he is an unsung hero because he does so much. Packers TEs are 6'3"-6'5 and 250. John is shorter and 250. Packers don't list any HBs and Kuhn is the only FB.
Just saw this thread, but figured it was a good one to discuss.
The days of the NFL fullback are gone, and probably not going to come back again. As JohnBiggs mentioned, every team still uses fullback position, usually in goal line and short yardage sets, but the fullback as a player has basically gone the way of the dodo. The aforementioned John Kuhn and Baltimore's Vonta Leach are the only examples of "true" fullbacks that I can think of off the top of my head.
This has actually been a long time coming, however. Denver's fullback during their dynasty period was Howard Griffith, a converted halfback who was quite the talented receiver. Denver actually carried three fullbacks on their roster during that time, with Detron Smith and Anthony Lynn being the others. Smith was the only "true" fullback, Lynn was also a converted halfback and both were used almost exclusively on special teams. During New England's prime years, their fullbacks were Patrick Pass and Sammy Morris, both converted halfbacks.
I wonder if John Kuhn would be as successful if he were on a different team. He has almost a cult following in GB but lately because some plays don't work as they once did, you hear rumblings, always rumblings. He's been with the team 7 yrs. but did have 2 TDs in the playoffs.
Green Bay does cut ties with players, draft and develop tends to have that happen. Thing about Kuhn is, he'll do whatever, you never hear a peep out of him in terms of playing time. Four seasons with a rushing and receiving TD. He is just a steady player but position going by the wayside it seems. He came from the Steelers, home is in Penna.
Last edited by susancruzs; 01-29-2013 at 01:42 PM..
Even before him, Chris Cooley was considered kind of a hybrid type of player the OP was talking about. But I agree, I think Darrel Young fits this mold perfectly.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by skinsguy37
Even before him, Chris Cooley was considered kind of a hybrid type of player the OP was talking about. But I agree, I think Darrel Young fits this mold perfectly.
True, Cooley could do it all in his prime. Block as a fullback, block as a TE, and he ran great routes and had the hands of a receiver.
Darrel Young is quite the utility fullback. 7 of his 14 carries this season were for 1st downs, and he has 16 receptions for 109 yards (13 yards per catch average) and 2 touchdowns. But he's a beast opening up holes for Alfred Morris, who was the 2nd best running back in the NFL this season.
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