Phillips Will Be Good Enough
6 comments so far
March 30, 2007 by
Most fans were probably surprised to see Nebraska fullback Dane Todd named all-conference last year. Not because he was undeserving, but because he was easy to miss. Good blockers often are.
J.B. Phillips, the likely successor to Todd at fullback, has also gone largely unnoticed as a blocking tight end. Again, that's probably not a bad thing.
Of all the worries for Husker fans going into 2007, Phillips shouldn't be one of them. Is he an all-timer? Probably not. Is he good enough to give Nebraska what they need at fullback? Absolutely.
Phillips has proven himself in the role of blocker and occasional pass catcher. He's physical enough, he's smart enough...and doggone it, people like him.
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Tyler Mar 30 07
I will NEVER forget the block Todd made way downfield in the TX game to let BJax go unscathed to the South endzone. They showed it over and over and the Oooo's from the knowledge fans of the corn were
onomatopoetic "thank-you's."
By the way, I haven't heard much about where he might go in the draft. Have any of you?
Steve Mar 30 07
Hi Tyler,
While a good blocking fullback would seem like a vital piece for any football team, even an all-conference performer in a BCS conference like Todd has no guarantees of even getting a sniff from the NFL. Todd was no weapon with the ball in his hands and enough teams use single back sets that they want a guy that can be a threat to carry or catch the ball. NFL teams often use fullbacks on special teams as well.
Todd wasn't among the 300 invitees to the NFL combine (and fewer than 300 players get drafted in a given year). He'll be lucky to get a free agent contract. It's likely he's played his last game.
Tyler Hughes Mar 30 07
Which is why is should be lauded that Dane was an Academic All-American graduating with a 4.0 GPA. He has a career that will be augmented by his football career (if he stays in NE). His career won't be dependent upon football.
BTW, I love the Stuart Smalley picture. You guys have a great sense of humor.
'sa blang thang Mar 30 07
Stuart Smalley, I'm liking this website better already--how about some Borat!
I think Todd was 4.0 in premed: dude, go be a doctor, that would be a more fulfilling career. Forget the NFL.
Steve Apr 02 07
The Omaha World Herald now makes it sound like Phillips won't be a fullback after all. That's as telling about the tight end position as the fullback position. That is, Nebraska isn't real deep at tight end and would rather go the walk-on route at fullback than give up a starter at tight end.
None of these walk-ons (Senske, Lawson, Mackovicka, Sand) have proven they're ready...yet. So stay tuned. Just shows how quickly things can change.
doombob Apr 03 07
I still think nobody may know until sometime this summer who starts at FB and TE.