Trifecta Box: Fullbacks

If I'm betting a trifecta box on UVA's running back position this fall, here's how I'd structure the bet...

Incoming freshman Ryan Cobb is likely the future at the fullback position.

WIN: Terence Fells-Danzer, junior

Let me start by saying that I am elated about the return of the fullback to the UVA offense.  Yes, I was a strong proponent for the nohuddleshotgunspread last year... and I'm man enough to admit... I was wrong.  The spread is great, if you have the speedy jitterbug athletes to run it and the time and patience to develop the mindset.  Last year, Virginia and her coaches and fans had neither.  So yeah, welcome back, fullbacks and tight ends.  Let's go knock some heads.

Leading the pack at the rebuilt and reestablished fullback position is Terence Fells-Danzer, who was once buried on the linebacker depth chart, but now gets a chance to play as a starter on offense.  The position isn't unfamiliar to TFD --- he was a halfback/tailback/fullback in high school, along with being a linebacker.  In spring practices, TFD proved himself to be a plus athlete at the position, and remarkably, an excellent receiver.  His lead blocking is still raw, and probably won't ever be a strength of his game.  But he should prove to be a Snellingish weapon out of the backfield, and his background on defense suggests that he won't be timid with contact.  He was one of the real bright spots of the spring, and I'm excited to see what he can do on the field this fall.


PLACE: Max Milien, junior

Milien came to Virginia as a moderately-hyped receiving specialist at the running back position.  His cream has failed to rise in the crowded backfield, and now he is a non-hyped receiving specialist at the fullback position.  I don't know much about his game, other than the fact that he's injury prone, not especially fast or quick, and not a great blocker, but is apparently a good enough pass-catcher that he was almost moved to wideout.  My guess is that if TFD goes down this fall, we'll either see Ryan Cobb's redshirt burned, and/or UVA running a lot of ace-form with two TEs.  From my comfortable armchair, I'll just say that Milien is an entirely underwhelming option.  I hope he proves me wrong if he gets a chance to shine.


SHOW: Ryan Cobb, true freshman

No position group is complete without the sight-unseen hotshot rookie who has all-american potential.  I'm certainly guilty of overhyping the young guys.  I'll own that personality flaw.  Therefore, I won't hold back on Ryan Cobb.  He's another linebacker/fullback hybrid, and by all accounts he has nice skills and plays with the perfect amount of "football anger," whatever that means.  I like angry fullbacks, so I roll with it.


ALSO RAN:

• Curt Orshoski, junior -- Before TFD and Max Milien switched positions, I thought Orshoski would be our default starter at the fullback position.  He's a tough, heady walk-on who might be the best pure lead blocker of this quartet.

ANTE POST: Terence Fells-Danzer will emerge as one of our most potent, dynamic receivers this season.  I predict 20+ catches, 150+ yards, and a trio of TDs for TFD.