Nebraska Football’s All-Time Top 5 Fullbacks

Nov 7, 2015; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers fullback Andy Janovich (35) carries the ball as Michigan State Spartans defensive back Demetrious Cox (7) tackles at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers fullback Andy Janovich (35) carries the ball as Michigan State Spartans defensive back Demetrious Cox (7) tackles at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /
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August 24, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running backs coach Tom Rathman before the game against the San Diego Chargers at Levi
August 24, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running backs coach Tom Rathman before the game against the San Diego Chargers at Levi /

Tom Rathman

Rathman might have led the charge when it came to a resurgence in the fullback position for the Nebraska football team. While his career wasn’t the best around, he did have a heck of a season in his senior year.

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Rathman was a heck of an explosive runner, but he was also someone who blocked and laid the groundwork for some of the best running backs to play at Nebraska. That included his one day NFL teammate in Roger Craig.

Rathman played from 1981 until 1985 and saw his numbers get better every season. In his junior year, he carried 75 times for 381 yards three touchdowns. His senior season, he exploded onto the scene, rushing for more than 800 yards and eight touchdowns.

Rathman averaged 7.5 yards per carry and still holds the school record for yards per carry by a fullback. After his career for the Nebraska football team ended, he was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers and really found his niche in the west coast offense.

In eight years with the 49ers, he rushed for more than 1,900 yards and 26 touchdowns. These days, he’s gone into coaching and had a nice career as an assistant.

Next: Cory Schlesinger