Unsung heroes: The importance of Fullbacks

Most football positions are easy to understand. The quarterback throws the ball, defensive backs cover wide receivers, offensive linemen block, but what do fullbacks do? Well a little of everything.

“You have to be quick on your toes, you got to be able to move, catch the ball, run the ball. Just like a regular running back it’s just you gotta have that size to take on that ‘mac’ backer.” said Philadelphia Soul fullback Adrian Ferns.

Fullbacks are primarily used as pass blockers. Because only three down linemen are allowed, the fullback normally blocks the “mac” (or middle) linebacker who rushes the quarterback. However, sometimes the fullback will get the opportunity to make a play with the ball either through a handoff or a pass.

Ferns said when someone who blocks the majority of the game gets a chance to run the ball, it’s special.

“Most fullback when it's their time to run its a dead giveaway. Because they start fixing their gloves, fixing their helmet. They start licking their chops because they are happy to run the ball,” Ferns said.

This specific role requires a unique player. Weighing about 280 to 315 pounds, these players have to have the grace of running back and the strength of an offensive linemen.

Philadelphia Soul Head Coach Clint Dolezel said it’s difficult to find someone that matches the size and skill requirements of the position.

“It’s hard to find a guy like that, that can do all of it. When you find one, you hold onto him because that is not an easy job,” Dolezel said.

Mano v Mano

Dolezel said that fullbacks are 100 percent blockers first. One of the most difficult parts of the position is blocking the “mac” linebacker.

Albany Empire Fullback Mykel Benson said it becomes a game long battle.

“Our position we have 300, 320 pounders running full speed at you,” Benson said. “They have a running start at you and they get to hit you 30-45 times a game, just trying to run down your throat every time.

Benson said he did not like the fullback position when he first arrived in the league. He said it was difficult for him to adjust from getting the ball often, to maybe not even getting a carry the whole game.

However, Benson said as he started to understand the arena game and specifically his job, he began to enjoy his unique role.

“I stopped thinking about getting the ball all the time and just doing what I had to do to help the team win,” Benson said.

Now 11 years later, Benson has been a key contributor to all the teams he has played on throughout his career. He ranks second in all-time rushing yards (1722) and third in career touchdowns (120) for a fullback.

Ferns said the one on one battles with the “mac” linebackers are a love hate relationship for him.

“I’ve always been a physical guy and I’ve never shied away from contact,” Ferns said. “[However], It’s hard to get beat down every game. ‘Mac’ linebackers have 5 yards of a head start and you only have two steps of power.”

In addition to the physical demands of blocking, Ferns said there is a lot of strategy behind it as well. Ferns said he works with the center on protecting the inside lanes against different types of rushes about 75 percent of practice.

“Those macs and noses like to play games so it keeps us guessing,” Ferns said. “We have to learn to stay hip to hip with each other when they are dancing around like that and not chase. that’s why we work so much on it.”

The practices have paid off too, as Ferns and the Philadelphia offensive line have only given up one sack this year, second lowest in the league.

“We’re athletes too”

The arena game is a pass first league. Due to the small dimensions of the field and the limited number of blockers against the defense, running the ball is difficult. However, run plays still have their value.

While fullbacks have always been sparsely used through the history of the AFL, Benson said fullback Derrick Ross changed the landscape of the position in the early 2010s.

Benson said Ross, a five time All-Arena Honoree and the AFL career rushing yards and attempts leader, showed how successful Fullbacks could be with the ball in their hands and paved the way for future fullbacks like himself and Ferns.

Ferns said running the ball isn’t as easy as it looks either.

“Guys are just as fast as NFL guys, the game is a lot quicker. Decisions have to be a lot faster, the reads, the blocks, it changes everything,” Ferns said.

Dolezel said he likes to use Ferns in the open field to catch the defense off guard and keep them honest. But, the real value of a good running fullback is in the red zone.

“[In the red zone it’s] even tougher to throw. The windows are smaller, don't have any real estate behind there, your motion is kind of eliminated because there are only eight yard end zones. You need to have a good running game,” Dolezel said.

Ferns has been effective too, leading fullbacks this season in yards (92) and more importantly, touchdowns (9).

Even though fullbacks primarily block, Ferns said they aren't just linemen.

“A lot of people say ‘you guys are too big, you guys are just lineman.’ We’re athletes too.”