The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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evolution of the spread, and more of the four-wide-receiver personnel sets, or five-wide-receiver personnel sets. "We'll use our fullback in many different ways. Sometimes, we'll use them as an in-line blocker type, in the backfield, downhill-type runs. Another thing we'll do is put him out in formation and do different things. You're always looking for intriguing athletes who can create mismatch opportunities for you." Former Wolverine and Big Ten Network analyst Marcus Ray put it a little more bluntly. "That spot is becoming extinct," he insisted. "It's like a dinosaur, almost. Foot- ball is changing." That means Michigan's fullbacks — red- shirt junior Joe Kerridge, junior Sione Houma and, potentially, redshirt fresh- man Wyatt Shallman — have to be ready for versatility. "I went back and watched an Alabama tape," Ray said. "Nuss was a one-back kind of guy. The fullbacks have to be versatile. They have to be able to play off the ball in an H-back situation. They have to line up in an I formation on first down, and be prepared to iso someone. "Fullbacks have to be able to catch the ball out of the backfield. That's huge. If you do go to a true pro-style offense off the play-action game, the fullback becomes vital if he leaks out of the back- field. The fullback action in run and pass looks the same. That's what opens up the play action — when you think a fullback is going to the edge to block, and he leaks out into the flat." Kerridge saw the most action last year, carrying once for three yards and catch- ing five passes for 25. "When Joe's in the game, he needs to do more as far as understanding whom to block," Ray said. "I watch tape every day, and there are times when Michigan's offensive line doesn't know whom to block, and sometimes Joe lets a guy cross his face, or he blocks the wrong guy. Joe is tough. He can get it done." Kerridge likes the new system, he insisted. "I am loving it," he said. "We're moving around, and I am doing stuff at H-back Junior Sione Houma (left) and redshirt junior Joe Kerridge (right) will be in the mix for playing time at the fullback position this season. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL