Jacob Hyde as a fullback

[77blueuk]

I was reading the article in SDS about Jacob going from defensive tackle to fullback. It sounds exciting and so logical. Every football team has players that don't make it as offensive or defensive linemen, for a variety of reasons. So, why don't you see this as the norm, rather than a rarity throughout the college and pro game? It seems like a great addition to any football team's game plan; to have a huge hunk of bone and muscle blasting a hole for the running backs to follow.

 

[JHB4UK]

well one thing, he hasnt completely switched position. he still plays DT, and his snaps at fullback are nowhere near as numerous as all the attention it has received. if it actually gets used in games this season it will be only short yardage/goalline situations.

 

[BlueRaider22]

Hyde's been getting a fair rotation of reps during Spring practice as a NT.....his involvement with FB is a side job that he acquired when he asked the coaches where else he can help out the team.

 

[LordEgg]

good lord...thats a hell of a load at FB.

 

[BlueRaider22]

#330 of one of the strongest men on the team. And he can catch. Stoops said the other day that he caught a good one out of the flat.

 

[catben]

Originally posted by BlueRaider22:

#330 of one of the strongest men on the team. And he can catch. Stoops said the other day that he caught a good one out of the flat.

The coaches want to keep Hyde's pass catching prowess a secret.

This post was edited on 4/9 12:47 PM by catben

 

[robo222]

JH walked by me one morning on his way to class... I'm old enough to be his grandaddy... I was there because/long story...
I said hey...you Jacob Hyde?...Shook his hand said good luck and off he went... My first thought was that he looked like a RB on steroids... He's a big guy from his eye brows to his toes... Reminded me of a mini-Hulk... Nice guy seemed like...

 

[billue]

if he catches one in the flat he better get his feet up no way there going to hit him above the waist

 

[WildCard]

Originally posted by 77blueuk:
I was reading the article in SDS about Jacob going from defensive tackle to fullback. It sounds exciting and so logical. Every football team has players that don't make it as offensive or defensive linemen, for a variety of reasons. So, why don't you see this as the norm, rather than a rarity throughout the college and pro game? It seems like a great addition to any football team's game plan; to have a huge hunk of bone and muscle blasting a hole for the running backs to follow.

Many teams have a "jumbo" package they like to use on very short yardage situation. And I'm typically talking about a yard or so; a distance where a "big back" can literally fall forward behind some even bigger guys and get the needed yardage. If you don't have the foot speed to get into the man you are supposed to block there is no hole, just a pile at or behind the LOS. I could certainly be wrong but I expect Hyde to be used only in such situations and not as a regular blocking back.

Generally speaking a jumbo FB it is "not the norm" because it takes more than just size to be an effective lead blocker. Footwork is key. You need some foot speed and "get off" to get to where you need to be to make the block; you need some footwork to get into the block and footwork to seal or hold the block.

That said, John Conner ("typical" FB size at about 240 lbs as I recall) was one of the best blocking backs I have ever seen. He could lead block on a LB or take on a big DL in pass pro. But he was an awesome (and I use that word very sparingly) edge blocker with his ability to get to and "hook" the DE. A great deal of Locke's yardage was due to his ability to execute a key block.

Peace

 

[mrschwump]

Hyde will be a situational FB not an every play FB. Most games you'll probably be able to count on one hand how many plays he's in on O.

 

[Deeeefense]

Originally posted by WildCard:

Generally speaking a jumbo FB it is "not the norm" because it takes more than just size to be an effective lead blocker.

When the Bears did this with The Frig, they used him in a variety of
ways, not just as a lead blocker. He carried the ball, caught the ball,
and they even put him in motion on some plays.

I have know idea how the plan to use Hyde but I would not be surprised if they added a little trickeration to the package.

 

[WildCard]

Originally posted by Deeeefense:

Originally posted by WildCard:

Generally speaking a jumbo FB it is "not the norm" because it takes more than just size to be an effective lead blocker.

When the Bears did this with The Frig, they used him in a variety of
ways, not just as a lead blocker. He carried the ball, caught the ball,
and they even put him in motion on some plays.

I have know idea how the plan to use Hyde but I would not be surprised if they added a little trickeration to the package.

Yeah, Ditka probably started the lineman in the backfield thing. Or at least popularized it at the time even though it has never been too popular. I knew Fridge carried some in the short yardage situations. But I recall it as being more of a novelty thing than a week o week "weapon". Wiki lists his "offensive numbers" as 5 career yards rushing with 2 TDs and another pass reception TD.

Regardless, I'll never forgive Ditka for not allowing my favorite football player of all time, Walter Payton, the opportunity to score a Super Bowl TD. Payton "did it all" out of the backfield and was a class act in every sense of the word.

Peace

 

[gossie21]

Originally posted by WildCard:

Originally posted by 77blueuk:
I was reading the article in SDS about Jacob going from defensive tackle to fullback. It sounds exciting and so logical. Every football team has players that don't make it as offensive or defensive linemen, for a variety of reasons. So, why don't you see this as the norm, rather than a rarity throughout the college and pro game? It seems like a great addition to any football team's game plan; to have a huge hunk of bone and muscle blasting a hole for the running backs to follow.

Many teams have a "jumbo" package they like to use on very short yardage situation. And I'm typically talking about a yard or so; a distance where a "big back" can literally fall forward behind some even bigger guys and get the needed yardage. If you don't have the foot speed to get into the man you are supposed to block there is no hole, just a pile at or behind the LOS. I could certainly be wrong but I expect Hyde to be used only in such situations and not as a regular blocking back.

Generally speaking a jumbo FB it is "not the norm" because it takes more than just size to be an effective lead blocker. Footwork is key. You need some foot speed and "get off" to get to where you need to be to make the block; you need some footwork to get into the block and footwork to seal or hold the block.

That said, John Conner ("typical" FB size at about 240 lbs as I recall) was one of the best blocking backs I have ever seen. He could lead block on a LB or take on a big DL in pass pro. But he was an awesome (and I use that word very sparingly) edge blocker with his ability to get to and "hook" the DE. A great deal of Locke's yardage was due to his ability to execute a key block.

Peace

John Conner was a stud. Every time he was in the game I would watch him instead of the ball. Blocking is usually the boring part of football, but he was a joy to watch block.