Missing "Middleweights"
5 comments so far
April 4, 2008 by
Nebraska fans are accustomed to fullbacks and tight ends being an important part of the NU offense. In the option offense days, the fullback got his share of carries and was an absolutely vital blocker on almost every play. And, the tight ends were more often then not NU's leading receiving threat. And in more recent years, we've been introduced to the H-back, a hybrid blocker and receiver used in more pro-style systems. In either case, this "middleweight" player (to borrow a term from my friend Steve Hanway), is vital to offensive success. And frankly, they've been rather missing from the Husker offense in recent years. Will NU develop some answers this Spring?
Where is the Thumper?
Can I just say that I love players like Tom Rathman, Cory Schlesinger and Joel Makovica? Whether they were leading the way or toting the rock, you knew those fullbacks were going to take the "path of most resistance" and plow right through it. It sets the tone for a running game. Even though NU has moved away from the option, it is obvious to everyone that the Huskers intend to have a more physical running attack in 2008. Watson's offenses at Colorado often deployed two tight ends and two backs and mashed opponents. So, I have to ask. Does NU have a fullback who is ready for that role?
They certainly have a lot of them on them on the roster. Right now, six players are listed at fullback for NU. Senior-to-be Thomas Lawson appears to be the number one guy right now. The 6'0'', 250lb converted tailback manned the position last year. He is reportedly going to get more carries in 2008. And he has enough versatility to collect three touchdowns receiving in 2007, which is a nice option. This spring, fans will find out if he can put his hand on the ground and become a full-time lead blocker for a renewed NU run game.
A number of younger players are behind Lawson on the depth chart. This includes sophomores Aaron Gillaspie, Justin Makovica (yes, that Makovica family...nice), and Tyler Legate, the cousin of former NU fullback Billy Legate. Though, Legate must sit out 2008 because he transferred. Clearly many are looking for Makovica to emerge from this group.
After that you have two redshirt freshmen, Kevin Thompson a 6'2'' 240 pound HS star from Elkhorn who certainly looks the part, and Mike Hays who is considered a "project" after playing just two years of competitive football for Papillion. So, clearly there is quite a bit of hope for the mid-term future at this position.
Mike McNeill, Please Pick Up a White Courtesy Phone
The Huskers have not had a really serious offensive threat at tight end since Matt Herian went down with an injury in 2004. There is a chance that may be changing this year. Sure, NU returns senior (and all-name team member) Hunter Teafatiller who played in ten ball games last year. But, he only caught four passes in 2007.
I'm hopeful because of sophomore Mike McNeill. McNeill brought significant receiving ability with him to NU, but got stun by the injury bug (both leg and shoulder injuries) While he only caught one ball last year, it was highlight-reel worthy as he snatched it out of the air. And, he has apparently added a lot of good weight to his frame (240lbs up from 225) and become a more physical blocker. But, it's not like you can tell from this picture.
After McNeill, anyone's guess is as good as mine. Junior college transfer Tyson Hetzer is an unknown right now. Redshirt freshman Ryan Hill almost played more out wide like a receiver than on the line like a tight end while in high school. Though, he is very skilled. Dreu Young had just one catch and Ben Tasa served on the scout team last year.
The tight end spot looks like the steady Teafatiller (Say it over and over. It's fun.) and the talented McNeill to me. Does it help that McNeill wears number 44, like a certain favorite former Husker fullback?
Did you enjoy this article?
Get Husker news by email
Follow us on Twitter
Related Stories: Spring Practice
Post a comment
Dwayne Apr 04 08
Teafatiller could be worth quite a bit in a game of NU scrabble. Does the word "feather" jump out at anyone when they see that name? Anyway, the production of the tight end under Callahan has been nearly null and I've never understood why NU hasn't really landed a bigtime TE recruit or why any of the youth have yet to emerge. In this offense, I always thought the TE was key. Especially when Watson was at CU.
doombob Apr 04 08
Quentin Castille should be a full back - 6'1", 245 lbs, and freakishly strong and fast. He was even listed as a fullback prospect when being recruited. This guy could develop into some kind of FB/RB hybrid that runs, catches, and blows people up. He could be a real threat when lined up FB since a defense won't know what he may be used for in any given play. Can you imagine the pure joy of seeing this guy back in the triple option days? Unfortunately, today it seems like a waste to put such a talented power RB at FB, but wouldn't you think it would be better to be on the field as much as possible?
Greg Morrow Apr 04 08
I'm just as curious about how the offense is going to "attack" as how the defense is.
Lawson could have a big year, for a fullback. Obviously as dedicated as any 5th year walkon, I don't think he's been awarded a scholarship, yet. He and the other FB's are going to pass block, bottom line. If they'll even be out there, on pass plays. They'll still run isos. Probably catch more than they run again and do the ol' shift to the strongside. Actually, they may not have any runs, again.
Will there be as much motion from the TE- HB's? This offense still "is what it is", barring any extra growing pain confusion.
No question, that lack of a "go to" tight end has been amazing. But, down and distance had continually been THE issue with what plays were called, up until last year, when the more pressing issue of matching scores, then multiple unanswered scores, allowed for the wideouts to mount unprecedented receiving yards.
The more the defense can get the ball back to the offense for another college try, the more opportunities the "middleweights" will have to dictate a physical down and distance tempo. With combos to the body and a quick, unseen uppercut, of course!
brad Apr 06 08
Cody Glenn should be a fullback instead of wasting his time at linebacker.
I don't care what they say right now for the papers. He saw the depth at running back and got nervous Leon-Jackson style, so now he is making a bad move. The kid is a running back or a fullback.
knows talent May 18 08
Fullbacks Gillaspie and Hays are highly underrated. Gillaspie only played 2 years of junior high ball like Hays and has more athleticism than Makovica any day. Little brother is just riding the coat tails.