https://kearneyhub.com/sports/college/amie-just-revival-of-the-fullback-at-nebraska-could-be-advantageous-osborne-says/article_653331f2-36cb-5165-941b-1a7a62d9aaa8.htmlSince football’s inception at Nebraska in 1890, the Huskers had always had a fullback — until the dark ages of 2018-22.
Seriously.
There have been at least 151 fullbacks who’ve lettered at the University of Nebraska, according to the athletic department’s records. Before the Scott Frost era, the only years in NU history where there wasn’t a designated fullback letterwinner: 1891, 1903, 1913, 1925 and 1941. But there was at least one fullback on each of those rosters.
Under new head coach Matt Rhule and offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield? The fullback’s back, baby.
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That complicates things for a defense — especially in the age of 00, 10, 11 and 12 personnel packages. Throwing a curveball with 21, 22 or, phew, even 23 personnel, that’s advantageous to an offense.
“A lot of teams, because they don’t see a lot of 21 personnel with the fullback in there, they don’t work it,” said Tom Rathman (1981-85) and retired NFL running backs coach. “And you may have an advantage going into a football game.”
Before we get in too deep, a quick refresher on personnel packages.
With five offensive linemen and a quarterback on the field, that gives teams five spots for playmakers and/or extra blockers. When referring to specific offensive personnel packages, the first number equals the number of running backs on the field, while the second represents the number of tight ends. So, 10 equals one running back with zero tight ends, which means there are spots for four receivers. A 21 personnel grouping has two running backs and one tight end, so there are spots for two receivers.