Death of the Fullback

Death of the Fullback

By

Darrin Sheffer

https://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/4/8/8370947/bengals-think-ryan-hewitt-nfl-fullback

In the age of Spread and Shred offenses there seems to be one position group routinely being phased out of the game: The Fullback.  Most Coaches would agree with this statement, right?  Well... saying that the Fullback is a dying breed isn't exactly a true statement.  In fact, the Fullbacks aren't dying out, they are evolving.  The reality is that the only thing that is really changing is peoples definition of what a Fullback really is.  It's all about perception and philosophy.  

Pro-Style Fullback

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fullback_(gridiron_football)

When you hear someone saying that they believe that the Fullback is a dying breed, most likely they are probably referring to the typical Pro-Style Offense Fullback, and in some sense they would be correct.  What are some words you think about when you hear Fullback: tough nosed, bulky, willing to hit anything, things like that.  If you run a Pro-Style or I-Formation type offense your Fullback is likely to be what I affectionately refer to as a "glorified Guard".  I feel like I have the right to say this because I played Guard (Wing-T) in High School and Fullback (Pro-Style) in College (briefly).  My job in the offense was to be a lead blocker on most run plays, and I got to go out for an occasional passing route.  Fewer High Schools and Colleges are running this type of offense each year, so saying that these Fullbacks are dying off would not be a stretch.  

Option/Wing-T Fullback

https://www.capitalgazette.com/sports/navy_sports/ph-ac-cs-navy-fullback-breakdown-0420-20170420-story.html

This is where we need to talk about the "definition" of a Fullback.  Whereas a Pro-Style fullback is basically an athletic lineman, Triple Option and Wing-T based offenses typically define their Fullback as their "Best All Around" running back.  In these types of offenses the Fullback is the primary runner, so placing someone who is primarily a blocker in this offense isn't a good idea.  A Fullback in these offenses not only need to be able to lower their shoulder and run up the gut, but they will also need to be proficient at running Off-Tackle, Sweeps, Options and Passes such as Waggle and Slip Screens.  

Spread H-Back

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JB2jGh8UnII

With more and more teams going to Spread type offenses people would expect that there isn't any room for the old school Fullback anymore.  Heck, many teams don't have any Fullbacks listed on their roster.  But, if you look closely you can still find them, just not called a Fullback anymore: The H-Back.  If you watch College teams like Auburn, Clemson and Ohio State you know that they all run Spread Attacks.  However, even though they may be Spread, they are what I would call "Power Spread" offenses predicated on having a dominant Rushing Attack.  All these teams will have an H-Back or two on their roster.  These Spread H-Backs are often misinterpreted as Tight Ends, and while those who call them that aren't necessarily wrong, the H-Back is much more a combination of the Tight End and the Pro-Style Fullback.  The primary purpose of the H-Back is similar to that of the Pro-Style Fullback: Primary lead blocker on runs with the occasional Passing Route.  

Conclusion

So is the Fullback disappearing?  No, the Fullback is Evolving. Everything depends on your Perception and Philosophy.  What is your definition of the Fullback?  Do you agree or disagree with me?  Please leave a comment below and share this with your coaching community.  

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