Will the H-Back Idea Survive?
In the summer of 2009 I learned that then Head Coach Norries Wilson and his staff were working on their version of an H-back offense called "Powerback." The hope was that it would bolster the still stagnant Lion running game by using plays that would give the ball carrier a good shot at gaining at least three yards per carry.
But the centerpiece of that strategy was a H-back named Peter Holst-Grubbe '11, who sadly never overcame injuries enough to play.
The scheme was scrapped.
But new Head Coach Pete Mangurian began devising his own H-back strategy soon after he came to Morningside Heights. He too, felt it would be a way to maximize the strengths and protect some of the weaknesses in the Lion offense.
H-backs tend to be relatively taller fullbacks or relatively shorter tight ends. Sometimes, very athletic QB's, (think Tim Tebow-types), fit the bill as well.
So who does Columbia have who could likely fill this role?
Because there are some roster updates that I know about and are still confidential, I am just going to focus on the players that I know are still with the team.
One good candidate is Zack McKown. Zack didn't get much playing time last year, and most fans probably remember that he caught a nice TD pass in the snow-covered game against Yale. At 6-2 and 224 pounds, he has some of the best tools to excel in this role.
I also like the potential in Nick Durham from the freshman class. He's quick and seems like he's ready to take on some added responsibilities compared to the average incoming frosh.
But the best overall candidate may be another freshman.
The overall athletic ability of QB Hank Trumbull is undeniable. He makes people miss and the fact that he could always just pull up and throw instead of crossing the line of scrimmage is intriguing.
Just for reference, there is an outstanding H-back currently playing in the Ivies. His name is Kyle Juszcyk. The senior had a monster game against Columbia with 118 yards receiving and two TD catches. Juszcyk goes at 6-3 and 240 pounds, in case you were wondering.
2 comments:
I'm not sure I've ever understood what a H back is or does. He's a second back in the backfield? Who lines up outside of the traditional locations for a second back, e.g., behind the QB in the I? And either takes pitches or goes out for a pass? What's the point of a H back v., say, a traditional fullback? Versatility?
-Dr.V
H Back is a TE who lines up in the backfield. Bigger than a FB, usually capable of catching passes out of the backfield but generally serves as a lead blocker. Never throws the ball and rarely carries it.
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