Position Breakdowns: Fullbacks
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May 1, 2008 by
Outlook: Nebraska’s fullbacks are all walk-ons as Bill Callahan (and so far Bo Pelini) hasn’t used scholarships to lure players to the position, instead relying on volunteers. It’s a young group but actually with enough bulk to perhaps replace tight ends in some formations.
Incumbent: Senior Thomas Lawson is the only upperclassman and only returning starter at fullback. Listed at 250 lbs., he’s also the biggest.
Rising Star: Based mostly on his name, Justin Mackovicka is a player that fans are happy to see at fullback. His brothers Jeff and Joel each won national championships at the position in the 1990’s. The 240 lbs. sophomore should be physically ready if called upon to play.
In-The-Mix: Redshirt freshman Kevin Thomsen is also an impressive 240 lbs. and could see playing time.
Enigma: Sophomore Aaron Gillaspie made the team through a winter walk-on tryout, which might be seen as lower on the recruiting food chain than an invited walk-on. Also listed at 240 lbs., Gillaspie could contend with the other youngsters at the position.
Odd Man Out?: Sophomore Tyler Legate is listed at a scant 220 lbs. He would seem still a bit small to be taking on Big 12 linebackers. But he has to redshirt after transferring from South Dakota, so perhaps he can catch up physically to the other players. He is the cousin of former Husker fullback/special-teamer Billy Legate.
On The Horizon: David Pillen of Sugar Land, Texas is set to join Nebraska as a walk-on in the fall and is listed at 230 lbs. While a redshirt seems certain (barring special teams work), he’s already big enough to compete at fullback. He could also end up at linebacker.
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Greg Morrow May 01 08
When I was a youngster playing midget ball, at the end of the season, there was a pizza party and some Nebraska players attended. One I distinctly remember was David Pillen's uncle Jim, who played safety (monster) for the Cornhuskers.
A year later, in '77, he had a great game against 'Bama, in a major upset. He also had a nice game in '78 against Okie, which I was fortunate to attend. (South stadium, nosebleed) He was a good safety, he may have gotten all conference recognition. I think he's now a succesfull pork producer.
I'm glad Thomas Lawson stuck it out, with the opportunity to get starting time as a senior. His accomplishment is surpassed only by his commitment to the team, in the finest tradition. With the few chances he's had, he seems to have good hands and you get the impression that fullbacks will get a few carries this year to go with the passes.
OU7times May 02 08
Huh? That's nice... My guess is that the old style of football, where there is a heavy dose of Fullback, is around the corner at NU. It's old school and Pelini is all about pleasing the crowd right now. "Smash mouth" will be back soon.