In the old spread ‘em out, run and gun days of Mark Mangino and Todd Reesing, the Jayhawks rarely used a Fullback in their attack formations. When Gill and his staff installed a more run-heavy attack, the Fullback position was reintroduced to Jayhawk fans everywhere.
As Weis and his staff employ more of a pro-set formation, expect the Fullback position to stay for a while. Currently, Kansas has two on the roster. Let's meet them.
Nick Sizemore - 6'1, 238 - RS Junior #45
Sizemore transferred to Kansas from Buffalo to follow Gill, and found some playing time last season both at FB and on special teams. He started the first two games of the season at Fullback and saw action in ten games before an injury against Baylor ended his season. Where Sizemore really made his mark was his special teams play, he blocked a punt against Oklahoma State and recorded several tackles on the season.
Sizemore did not receive a carry last season, and his role seems pretty simple. Serve as a lead blocker when the Jayhawks need one, and play good special teams. The junior's role shouldn't change with the new staff.
Ed Fink - 6'3, 237 - RS Sophomore #43
Fink was recruited as a middle linebacker, but was moved to fullback last season to address depth concerns. Fink only saw action in three games, with his lone highlight being a squib kick return of ten yards against Oklahoma.
With his linebacker background, Fink will likely be used primarily as a special teams player next season. However, an injury to Sizemore or an impressive spring could result in the sophomore seeing some significant snaps on offense this season.
Position Synopsis
Expect Sizemore to be the man when the Jayhawks need a lead blocker, and both players to have an opportunity to make their mark on special teams.