Just a quick observation on the position:
Only a few teams ranked in the top 25 list a “Fullback” as a position on their roster this season. Two of those teams are in the Big Ten West: Wisconsin and Iowa (I don’t care how the coaches voted but Iowa will be in the top 25 when the season ends).
Wisconsin currently has three. Iowa currently has five. Both teams use the fullback to block and catch passes.
Interestingly enough, 18 out of 32 teams NFL teams field an active “Fullback” on their rosters.
Whipple used a blocking back (not listed as fullback) at Pitt last year, but based on the size of Nebraska’s current running back roster, only Yant would qualify at 235lbs.
Nightmare flashback to last year’s Minnesota game. 4th and 1. Shotgun formation with Yant alone in the backfield with no fullback. Yant stumbles and Minnesota stops the Huskers. A fullback and QB under center could have ended this game.
Any way, based on the successful history of Nebraska fullbacks, and the used of the two teams in the division, maybe its time to restore the Nebraska Fullback position to its former glory. Recruit for the position, get some strong, big backs, and start using the running game again.
Tom Rathman, Andra Franklin, Joel and Jeff Mackovica, and Corey Schlesinger come to mind.