Specialized Skills and Roles to fill

The fullback, as an every down player, is obsolete in today’s pass-happy era of football.

The fullback is the second back aligned in the backfield. He is normally aligned in front of the primary ball carrier called the running back. He aligns in this position to be the blocker to lead the way for the running back or ball carrier.

His primary job is to block the second level of the defense — the linebackers. The H-Back position is today’s newer version of yesterday’s fullback. The only difference is the H-Back will align often as a second TE on the line of scrimmage. He is a more versatile player and is utilized far more often in the passing game.

The fullback is on average between 240 and 270 pounds. He must be a good run blocker and capable pass protector. The fullback is a glorified offensive linemen in the back field. When using an H-Back, he is a larger version of the slot receiver in some offensive schemes. Teams will do this to get a bigger body on a smaller defender.

Today’s game has become more specialized with the personnel usage.

Any player on the active list game day will have a role to fill, not only as a special team’s player but a specific role for offense or defense. The fullback’s role must be managed, but becomes invaluable when short yardage, goal line or possess the ball situations arise on offense.

Learn more about specialized positions in my book.