Depth Chart Watch 2012 (Fullback)

Graduating senior Tyler Legate was one of Nebraska's strongest lifters and was a rock at the fullback position,

For the next 17 days HuskerCorner.com will be bringing you an in-depth look at each position for the 2012 season. We will break down  who we think is the front runner for the starting position, the player on the front runner’s heels  for the starting spot and a freshman who could make a splash.

Nebraska is a rare school where the fullback position was glamorized. Players like Cory Schlesinger helped not only contribute to championship teams, but helped lead the teams from a position not typically associated with leadership and playmaking ability. However, in recent years, the Huskers have adapted to the times. As a result of shifting to a more modern philosophy, fullback involvement in Nebraska’s offense is on the decline.

The Front Runner

Former starter Tyler Legate graduated, leaving a tight position battle for 2012. Homegrown Husker C.J. Zimmerer from Omaha Gross is considered to be a slight frontrunner. While he has seen very little action in his two seasons since redshirting, the 6-foot, 235 pound Zimmerer looks to be the guy to beat heading into camp, as he measures as more of a complete fullback, both as a rusher and as a blocker, compared to the competition.

The Number One Contender 

Mike Marrow was one of the highest ranked fullback prospects coming out of high school. Marrow opted for Alabama over Nebraska, but a change of heart landed Marrow and his father, Vince — a graduate assistant for the Huskers — in Lincoln. Marrow had to sit out last season, but will be fully eligible for the 2012 campaign. Marrow’s size and rushing ability makes him a player that could explode if all of his potential is realized. All Marrow needs is one strong performance in practice to overtake Zimmerer for the starting spot.

Incoming Freshman 

Carson Collins and Andy Janovich are both promising walk-on prospects coming out of Omaha-area high schools. Collins is the more likely of the two to earn a starting spot in the future, though neither figure to earn any playing time before 2014. Collins rushed for 1,325 yards and 19 touchdowns as a senior at Omaha Burke, averaging nearly eight yards per carry.

Depth Chart Prediction

1. C.J. Zimmerer

2. Mike Marrow

By Chris Peters

Contact the writer at [email protected] or on Twitter @_ChrisPeters

Follow Husker Corner on Twitter @HuskerCorner

Friend Husker Corner on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Huskercorner

Tags: 2012, Andy Janovich, big ten, Carson Collins, CJ Zimmerer, College football, Fullback, huskers, huskers blog, Mike Marrow, Nebraska, Nebraska Cornhuskers, Top 25, Tyler Legate