At Alabama, F is for ... 08/27/03
STEVE IRVINE News staff writer TUSCALOOSA - Just what is this F position that University of Alabama head coach Mike Shula has included in his first offense in Tuscaloosa? Brodie Croyle, who knows the Crimson Tide's new offense better than any other player on the roster, according to his coach, answered that question with one of his own. "Fullback, isn't it?," said the team's starting quarterback. Listen to UA offensive coordinator Dave Rader and the answer would be affirmative. "It's short for fullback, which is not to be confused with the H-back, which is short for halfback," Rader said. Look at the depth chart, however, and the F position looks like more than a traditional fullback. Clint Johnston, who is listed at tight end on the roster, is expected to start at that position Saturday when Alabama kicks off the season with a 2 p.m. game against South Florida at Legion Field. His backups on the depth chart will be freshman Tim Castille, a tailback turned fullback, and Dre Fulgham, a wide receiver by trade. Fullbacks Greg McLain and Le'Ron McClain weren't listed on the depth chart but both will also fit in at the F position. Shula uses an F word to describe what the F position means to his offense. "Flexibility," Shula said. "We've got different personnel packages, some with three wide receivers, some with two backs and some with two tight ends. People have asked us what we're going to do. To be able to use multiple personnel and multiple sets is what we've been leaning toward." Castille said his role is multiple but doesn't include one of his primary skills. "I catch the ball, I have to block (but) I don't get any handoffs," Castille said. Fulgham, the team's heaviest wide receiver at 6-foot-1, 217 pounds, said his role at the F position is not that much different than the slot receiver position in Dennis Franchione's offense. "It's like I played last year," said Fulgham. "It's got a little motion in it. I work a lot of positions all the way across the field - X, Y, Z and F. I could end up (in the backfield) so don't be surprised." Johnston, who played the hybrid W position, a combination of tight end and fullback, in Franchione's offense, also likens the position to what he is familiar with. "Actually, it's a lot like the positions I played since I've been here," Johnston said. "When you got a tight end, fullback, running back and wide receiver at the same position it kind of shows how versatile the offense is going to be." Shula says the offense is built to spread the ball around. "What we're about offensively is utilizing our personnel as best we can," Shula said. "Whether or not it's a back we want to give the ball or wide receivers we want to throw it to. We feel comfortable and confident with Brodie Croyle as our quarterback. We want to utilize him the best we can and spread the ball around." It helps to have an offensive line experienced at blocking for the run in Franchione's system and the pass in the offense preferred by Mike Price. "Technique-wise, you can't explain how far along we are," offensive guard Justin Smiley said. "Our pass protection is so much better because of (the spring). We learned our technique, got better with our hands and sets and stuff like that. That brought us along so much because we know how to run block already." Put all the elements together and Johnston insists the new offense best fits the Alabama players. (snip) http://makeashorterlink.com/?G51B217B5 ScR ______________________________________________________ RollTideFan - The University of Alabama Athletics Discussion List "Welcome to RollTideFan! Wear a cup!" To join or leave the list or to make changes to your subscription visit http://listinfo.rolltidefan.net
