Fullback prescence key to making option game better

In the wake of freshman running back Aaron Green transferring from Nebraska to TCU back in April, Omaha World Herald columnist Tom Shatel theorized, “Is Sausage Ball making a comeback at NU?”

The truth of the matter was the Green was caught in a logjam at running back and wanting playing time, which considering Nebraska already has running back Rex Burkhead and quarterback Taylor Martinez running the ball, there are not too many carries left.

Though speedy Ameer Abdullah could at times give Burkhead a breather, the additions of Mike Marrow (6-foot-2, 250) and freshman Imani Cross (6-1, 220) could give the Huskers an added dimension. Burkhead is neither a speed burner nor a power-back, just very steady and reliable. In addition, you also have returning junior C.J. Zimmerer (6-0, 230-pounds).

Since Cross is a true freshman, it will be interesting to see if he redshirts. And if he does not redshirt, will he get enough carries to make an impact.

The wild card of the equation is Marrow and Zimmerer, who are battling for the starting fullback position. Mike Marrow is set to make his Nebraska playing debut in 2012 after being on the sideline for the past three seasons. Marrow brings a different dimension to the Husker backfield with a powerful, bruising rushing style. Marrow, who is the son of Nebraska graduate assistant Vince Marrow, began his college career at Alabama, before transferring to Eastern Michigan and then to Nebraska. NCAA transfer rules have kept him out of action until this season.

Zimmerer has been a regular contributor on special teams the past two seasons, but the Omaha native will look to expand his role in 2012. The 6-0, 230-pound Zimmerer heads into fall camp as one of the top candidates to take over the starting fullback spot, which was occupied by Tyler Legate the past three seasons.

The reason why the fullback position becomes significant in Nebraska’s offense is because with the increasing number of teams running spread oriented offenses, the fullback is a position that for many teams has gone the way of the horse and buggy. While offensive coordinator Tim Beck and head coach Bo Pelini have publicly preached the desire to be “multiple,” Nebraska will be a running team. True, you might not see 400 yard rushing efforts but the Huskers will probably have about a 60-40 run-pass ratio.

In Beck’s first season, Nebraska ran its share of option whether it was zone read, pistol and yes, even the I-formation like fans had grown used to seeing for years. However, last season, only eight carries (all by Legate) went to the fullback. Oddly enough, the very first play of the season was a give to Legate. While a cynic would look at that play as pandering to the masses that long for the days of option football, the fullback will need to be more involved this season.

For an option play from the I-formation to work, it needs three components – fullback, quarterback and pitchman. The plays are rarely predetermined. The decision of who is to carry the ball is made during the play by the quarterback, who makes the decision whether to give the ball to the fullback or to keep the ball based on what the defensive end does. If the end pinches down, the quarterback pulls the ball. If the end runs straight upfield or directly at the quarterback, then the quarterback gives the ball to the fullback. On the keep track, the quarterback may run upfield for yardage or pitch the ball to another ball carrier, normally the halfback (otherwise known as the “pitch man’). Linebackers or defensive backs are normally assigned to the pitch man. If the linebacker converges on the quarterback, then he’ll pitch it to the running back. If the linebacker stays on the pitch man, then the quarterback’s job is to run upfield.

For Nebraska to run the triple option effectively out of the I-formation, all three components need to be a threat. Based on last year’s version of the triple-option, opponents could go after Martinez and Burkhead without even worrying about the fullback.

Linebacker and fullback are two intriguing position battles

Anytime a team goes into spring practice or fall camp, you can expect to hear a lot of talk about “position battles.”

As Nebraska continues with its spring football practice sessions, linebacker and fullback are two of the more intriguing position battles for the 2012.

Any discussion regarding Nebraska linebackers in 2012 begins and ends with the loss of LaVonte David to graduation. David is projected by most NFL draft boards to be a second round pick, possibly even first if you listen to Mel “I Have Plenty of Hair” Kiper. Without David, Nebraska very well could have finished 7-6 instead of 9-4. David’s numbers speak for themselves as he recorded team highs in total tackles (133), tackles for loss (13) and quarterback sacks (5.5).

However, things are not all doom and gloom with the loss of David because Will Compton came alive in the second half of the season and recorded 82 total tackles, seven for lost yardage. Sean Fisher came back after having missed the 2010 season with a leg injury to start four games and record 24 total tackles. However, Alonzo Whaley saw his most significant playing time the last two games of the season and actually moved ahead of Fisher on the depth chart.

David’s incredible skills will be hard to replace. Nebraska has had its share of legendary linebackers such as Tom Novak, Broderick Thomas, Barrett Ruud, Jerry Murtugh, Ed Stewart and Marc Munford. Where David fits in the annals of Husker lore is open for discussion but he certainly belongs in that conversation.

The fact that Compton made it through an entire season mostly injury free, which hadn’t been the case throughout his career before the season, is a good sign. The Huskers will need Compton to take on an even bigger role in 2012. Sophomore Trevor Roach saw action early in the season and can be a capable backup at MIKE linebacker to Compton.

It also bears watching if Whaley stays ahead of Fisher on the depth chart at the BUCK position. Either way, both will be needed when the Huskers go to their goal-line defense.

The player from the 2012 class that will need to contribute immediate is junior college transfer Zaire Anderson. . The Huskers have a strong group of recruits but will they be ready to contribute right away?

Though the fullback position in today’s game of college football has taken on a lesser role with such a big emphasis on spread-oriented offenses, the Huskers still must find a way to replace Tyler Legate. Losing Legate might not be high on many people’s list but since Nebraska incorporated some of the traditional I-formation option, replacing Legate is not so insignificant. Plus, even though shotgun formations and spread offenses are all the rage, at some point teams will face short yardage situations where it behooves them to have a fullback as a lead blocker.

Legate had eight carries and four catches (two for touchdowns). The fullback carrying the ball, however, seemed to be more of an attempt to pander to the fans that long for the retro Tom Osborne playbook.

Given that the option has returned as part of the Husker offense, losing Legate might be more of a concern that at first glance. For openers, there’s the role of lead blocking for the running back but also quarterback Taylor Martinez seems better suited on “load option” running plays that involve either a fullback or pulling guard.

The likely candidate for this position is Mike Marrow, who transferred from Alabama and Eastern Michigan. Marrow brings a menacing presence at 6-foot-2, 250-pounds. He has the body to become a dominant lead blocker for Rex Burkhead but he could emerge as a counter-puncher to Burkhead by carrying the ball himself and abusing defenses.

Other players who will compete for the position are freshmen Carson Collins and Andy Janovich along with junior CJ Zimmerer.