What's new at fullback

By STEPHEN F. HOLDER
Published August 10, 2007

What's new at fullback

The new starter: B.J. Askew

Height/weight: 6-3; 233 pounds

Age: 26

College: Michigan

Acquired: Signed as a free agent in March from Jets

The skinny: Askew is regarded as a more effective blocker than Alstott and could become a factor as a receiver, though the Jets rarely involved him in the passing game.

Askew was Curtis Martin's primary blocker in New York, and performed that task admirably. But it would be a surprise if the Bucs made much effort to get him many carries. Askew has never had more than 13 carries in a season, rushing for 102 total yards during his previous four seasons.

In the Bucs' offensive system, the fullback doesn't have much of a role as a runner. Askew will be used more traditionally than Alstott, who was often a receiver out of the backfield.

The backup

The Bucs don't have much depth at fullback behind Askew, though it's rare for teams to carry more than a couple on their rosters. The only fullback other than Askew is Byron Storer, right, an undrafted free agent from Cal.

Other options

The Bucs have several other options to address the fullback position. For starters, they might have to be willing to experiment with running backs Michael Pittman, right, and/or Earnest Graham at the position. Pittman, for one, has in recent seasons volunteered to serve other roles in an effort to get more playing time.

The Bucs could also consider adding a free agent, given their comfortable salary-cap situation.

Stephen F. Holder, Times staff writer

[Last modified August 10, 2007, 00:03:19]