2011 Football Preview: Tight Ends and Fullbacks

Though tight end and fullback are not flashy positions, they are extremely
important in the Virginia Tech offense because they are needed in a power
running game, and they dictate what formations the Hokies can effectively use.

To run their offense to its full extent, Virginia Tech needs three good tight
ends and two good fullbacks. The Hokies use three tight ends in some short
yardage situations, and two fullbacks at other times, particularly on the goal
line. Having fewer than three tight ends or two fullbacks limits what Bryan
Stinespring and Mike O’Cain can do with the offense.

Also, if the Hokies only have one good tight end, they might be limited to an
I-formation type of offense. If they don’t have a quality fullback, then they
might be limited to an ACE formation (two tight end) offense.

Depth at tight end and fullback was a big concern heading into the spring.
Fortunately the Hokies passed the test during the month of April. Now they have
to do it again in August.

...