2012 Football Preview: Fullbacks and Tight Ends

Tight end and fullback are the two positions that get talked about the least each preseason.  However, both spots play key roles in Virginia Tech’s running game.

For years Virginia Tech was known as an I-formation team.  Around the time of ACC expansion, Virginia Tech’s talent went up at tight end and down at fullback, and the Hokies successfully transitioned to more of an Ace formation (two tight ends, no fullback) offense.  Ever since then, Tech has leaned heavily to the Ace formation instead of the I-formation.

Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen even more transition.  Tech has had a lot of talented wide receivers, so we’ve seen more running out of shotgun/spread formations.  That’s something we could see more of in 2012, and we could also see some of the Pistol offense that was on display during the spring.

Even if they are running a Pistol offense, the coaching staff will need to decide if they want to run it primarily with a fullback, or with an extra tight end.  Much of it will depend on the personnel available, and it could also vary on a game-by-game basis depending on the personnel of the opponent.

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