Ford to play Fullback

[badboy]

I want our FB to block & clear the way. If he can occasionally catch a pass, gravy for the chicken!

[Texaninlild]

If you have a player with versatility and talent with his hands, take advantage. Of course blowing up linebackers is what he has to do because no one carries the rock like Foster.

[Rey]

I haven't seen him play much, so I skeptical...

[Errant Hothy]

Originally Posted by badboy

I want our FB to block & clear the way. If he can occasionally catch a pass, gravy for the chicken!

I don't know if I would go that far. Yes, I want the FB's primary skill set/role to be a load as a lead blocker and elminate the first defender every snap; but when the FB can be a pass catching threat from the backfiled a handful of times a game it's just another wrinkle that the opposing D has to be aware of. Kubiak has shown a knack for when to call teh FB pass play too, sadly Vickers dropped his share of them.

[Premier]

lookin at fords measurables in 2008, he came into Illinois weighing 209, looks like he packed on a good 40 pounds of muscle since then.. kinda looks like ray rice tbh.. body, height, face and everything..

[disaacks3]

Man looks stout, cut and can crush guys when lead-blocking. I don't see a downside yet.

[CloakNNNdagger]

From an interview at his Pro Day:

Scout: What are the strengths of your game?

Ford: "Blocking, catching passes and being versatile. I can play some running back or West Coast fullback. That will help me out a lot. I can definitely do some different things."

Scout: Is there an NFL player you emulate?

Ford: "A lot of people say I remind them of Mike Tolbert of the Chargers. I can catch it out of the backfield. I've got a nose for the end zone."

link

[welsh texan]

Originally Posted by Hoth-Boy

I don't know if I would go that far. Yes, I want the FB's primary skill set/role to be a load as a lead blocker and elminate the first defender every snap; but when the FB can be a pass catching threat from the backfiled a handful of times a game it's just another wrinkle that the opposing D has to be aware of. Kubiak has shown a knack for when to call teh FB pass play too, sadly Vickers dropped his share of them.

Agree here, I posted in a thread about Vickers vs. Casey where I said you won't make an NFL defender hesitate at the thought of taking a big hit of an FB, but you can make them hesitate if you plant a seed of doubt in their mind about your FB breaking out into a route and hurting them for a big gain uncovered.

That then helps out your rushing attack.

I think thats why Kubiak tried to get the ball to Vickers now and again even though he was terrible catching, he wants to have a Casey type and a true blocking type, but he doesn't want to tip his hand too much just by what personnel he's got on the field, he still relies on defenders having to account for a FB reception.

[badboy]

Originally Posted by Hoth-Boy

I don't know if I would go that far. Yes, I want the FB's primary skill set/role to be a load as a lead blocker and elminate the first defender every snap; but when the FB can be a pass catching threat from the backfiled a handful of times a game it's just another wrinkle that the opposing D has to be aware of. Kubiak has shown a knack for when to call teh FB pass play too, sadly Vickers dropped his share of them.

That's what I said. chuckle

[Errant Hothy]

Originally Posted by badboy

That's what I said. chuckle

I'd call that more than gravy, but if that was your point than yes I agree with you.

[Thorn]

If we get a good blocking FB that can also run and catch out of the UDFA pool, I'd be just totally ecstatic. I hope it happens.

[SteveSlaton20]

He has a chance to make the roster if we don't sign a vet TE/FB. I think it'll come down to if Kubiak wants Casey at TE or FB, if FB, Logan Brock might be the man to make the roster, but TE, I expect Ford to be the man to make the roster.

[ubecool454]

Originally Posted by Allstar

We may need Casey to be a TE most of the time this year, so this guy might just make it.

Exactly...I thought Casey is a TE anyway and he was just being wasted playing fullback. Casey I think is the most athletic TE on the team.