Why haven't we recruited another fullback?

[johnnd05]

Luke Schmidt is going to be a junior next year (though did he redshirt in 2006?), and he still hasn't managed to beat out the perpetually disappointing Asaph Schwapp. Why hasn't - or isn't - someone else been recruited to play this position? Is there anything to the rumors that Hughes, or even Paskorz, may move back there? Or is this just a position that teams tend not to want to use that many scholarships on?

 

[GoshenGipper]

Luke Schmidt is going to be a junior next year (though did he redshirt in 2006?), and he still hasn't managed to beat out the perpetually disappointing Asaph Schwapp. Why hasn't - or isn't - someone else been recruited to play this position? Is there anything to the rumors that Hughes, or even Paskorz, may move back there? Or is this just a position that teams tend not to want to use that many scholarships on?

I think it's a combination of the things you mentioned. Schmit has 3 years of eligibility left and Schwapp has 2 more as well, remember that he recieved a medical redshirt for last year. Plus there is a possibility of Paskorz or Nagel moving there and Hughes might recieve a couple of snaps there too. All that combined with getting tight on scholarships in the near future means none to use on a posistion that doesn't see the field everyplay in today's CFB. If Paskorz or someone else doesn't move there I would think they may get one in the '09 class.

 

[johnnd05]

I think it's a combination of the things you mentioned. Schmit has 3 years of eligibility left and Schwapp has 2 more as well, remember that he recieved a medical redshirt for last year. Plus there is a possibility of Paskorz or Nagel moving there and Hughes might recieve a couple of snaps there too. All that combined with getting tight on scholarships in the near future means none to use on a posistion that doesn't see the field everyplay in today's CFB. If Paskorz or someone else doesn't move there I would think they may get one in the '09 class.

Ahh, got it. Thanks Goshen. Like I said, I didn't know whether Schmidt had redshirted, and I guess I also forgot about Schwapp having a medical redshirt for '06. I guess we're not that thin at FB after all ...

 

[bbrennan]

If you look at what CW has recruited (minus a couple transfers) I think he prefers a 3 WR and TE set compared to 2 backs. If you look at the WR's guys like West, Grimes, Gallup and Tate are likely best featured in the slot with guys like Duval, Goodman, Parris and Floyd split wide. If this is the preferred set for CW, and he is able to recruit guys that fit the formation, I think it makes sense to be very selective with FB's. Plus, if you go to a 2 back set, you can use either Hughes or Aldridge with Armando. In a goal line situation, maybe you even start to see more athletic LB's lining up as the lead blocker or as a trick receiver out of the backfield.

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

Luke Schmidt is going to be a junior next year (though did he redshirt in 2006?), and he still hasn't managed to beat out the perpetually disappointing Asaph Schwapp. Why hasn't - or isn't - someone else been recruited to play this position? Is there anything to the rumors that Hughes, or even Paskorz, may move back there? Or is this just a position that teams tend not to want to use that many scholarships on?

didn't you read the announcement on und.cstv.com? Chris Stewart is moving to FB.

 

[goldandblue]

I would love to see Hughes at Fullback taking some snaps!

 

[SoCalDomer]

didn't you read the announcement on und.cstv.com? Chris Stewart is moving to FB.

That would be great! I'd hate to be an opposing linebacker.

 

[jonesman]

I am extremely dissapointed in the fact that Schmidt is NOT playing in front of Asaph. I am not impresed one bit by Asaph(I can bench press a house) Schwapp. I do not know why, but sometimes CW gets stuck on a guy and does not play more folks. This is truelly hurting our development of players. He sticks with one guy while the others gather dust. Luke has shown the ability to catch. He definitely can run better than Asaph. He can block pretty well. I have watched him on the kick return team lay some people out. Charlie and roster development don't go well together.

 

[laxkid23]

The Detroit Lions have a over 300 pounder playing fullback, why not the Fightin' Irish.

Jon Bradley

 

[piyachi]

I am extremely dissapointed in the fact that Schmidt is NOT playing in front of Asaph. I am not impresed one bit by Asaph(I can bench press a house) Schwapp. I do not know why, but sometimes CW gets stuck on a guy and does not play more folks. This is truelly hurting our development of players. He sticks with one guy while the others gather dust. Luke has shown the ability to catch. He definitely can run better than Asaph. He can block pretty well. I have watched him on the kick return team lay some people out. Charlie and roster development don't go well together.

This is the same sort of stuff people were saying about Sharpley, when there was a supposed QB controversy. While Asaph ain't blowing anyone away, I'm positive that he isn't being played for some mysterious reason. Asaph plays because, as of right now, he is the best fullback we have on the team.

Side question - who is in charge of the fullbacks? The RB coach?

 

[kjones]

Still, i've always got the impression that CW is a particular fan of Asaph. I think he's the sort of guy who goes all out in practice every play, and CW likes that, and I would have to guess he shows up well at practice because I don't really see it on the field. Either that, or Luke just is terrible. How can you bench like 500 lbs. and fumble the ball 5 ft. up into the air like that? Sheesh.

 

[Irish52]

I would hate to see Hughes play fullback...in my opinion, he will develope into a great running back...in the role of of the "BUS". In recruiting, I'd like to see us make more of an effort to bring in Chris Harper as a WR/running qtrbk. He's a terrific athlete who can play many roles.

 

[goldandblue]

Schmidt will eventually take asaph's spot.

 

[jonesman]

I hope you are right Gold. I did see Luke play on a couple plays this year, so I hope he gets more. I have been particularly watching Luke on KO return, he has been making some great blocks, so he is not afraid to block. I did see him catch a pass this season. Asaph does not block worth a lick. I sure hope Luke gets some time.

 

[johnnd05]

Asaph did make a couple of decent blocks against AFA ... no doubt he's been a disappointment, though.

 

[stonebreakerwasgod]

I'm not sure I'm in luv with FB any more. Most teams don't utilize them much. If we do decide to recruit another one, pleeeez find one that can block.

 

[kjones]

I would hate to see Hughes play fullback...in my opinion, he will develope into a great running back...in the role of of the "BUS". In recruiting, I'd like to see us make more of an effort to bring in Chris Harper as a WR/running qtrbk. He's a terrific athlete who can play many roles.

Given todays game, prophetic. Well done.