Unnoticed and unassuming, UW's fullbacks continue to enjoy role

LARAMIE — It’s a position on the University of Wyoming football team that isn’t talked about much -- not during fall camp or even during the season.

No, it’s not the offensive line.

But the Cowboys’ fullbacks are similar to offensive linemen in many respects.

They’re primary duties are to block.

They don’t get a lot of attention or recognition, unless they screw up.

In other words, no news often times is good news when it comes to this group.

But the news has been good for UW’s fullbacks as they enter their second year in coach Craig Bohl’s West Coast offense.

“We’re better than we were in spring ball, and that’s a huge compliment to them to the work they put in over the summer from a fundamental perspective and a strength perspective,” UW running backs and fullbacks coach Mike Bath said. “You can see the difference from Year 1 in the system to Year 2.”

The biggest difference, Bath said, is they have a better understanding as to why they do what they do, and are asking questions in practice and meetings that “they didn’t even think about asking last year.”

UW’s top two fullbacks are sophomore Drew Van Maanen and junior Jordan Ellis, as was the case last season. Van Maanen played fullback in high school, but during his redshirt year in 2013 he was a tight end. Ellis was moved from linebacker to fullback the week before the start of last season.

Redshirt freshman Matt List is third on the depth chart, and Bath said he needs to be ready to play.

All three guys began their UW careers as walk-ons, but Van Maanen and Ellis have since been put on scholarship.

Like offensive linemen, nearly every play for a fullback involves, as Bath described, “blunt trauma” in terms of collisions blocking defenders. Last season, Van Maanen and Ellis combined for three carries for seven yards, and four catches for 53 yards.

However, they played a big role as the Cowboys averaged 153.2 rushing yards per game. They will serve just as big of a role in UW’s run game and pass protection this season.

And, they will do so going mostly unnoticed.

“I have no complaints, and I really don’t care about that,” Van Maanen said. “Whenever we get one of the big blocks that leads to a big run, we’re jumping at each other and happy. We get a ‘good job’ from coach once in a while, but we enjoy it. We don’t care. We just go do our job.”

They seem to have fun doing their jobs.

They are a tight-knit group, led by Van Maanen. Even during the grind of fall camp, it’s odd not to see him smiling and enjoying his trade.

He also is setting a fashion trend on the team by growing a mullet, which started in the offseason.

He said it will be around throughout the season, and he plans to do something special with it when UW gets to a bowl game.

Yes, Van Maanen said when UW gets to a bowl game -- not if.

Van Maanen hopes he and his fellow fullbacks get a few more passes thrown their way this season, but added there are not many patterns in the playbook for them.

Whether that happens remains to be seen, but Bath said he and offensive coordinator Brent Vigen have more confidence in all the fullbacks -- especially Van Maanen and Ellis -- in terms of knowing exactly what they’re doing.

You may not see a lot of stats or publicity about UW’s fullbacks this season.

However, if you see the Cowboys run and pass for more yards, and more importantly, score more points, the fullbacks will play a major factor in that success.

“It’s such selfless position, and they know and understand that,” Bath said. “They embrace it, and it’s a fun group to be around.”

Practice update

The UW football team practiced in War Memorial Stadium Wednesday morning, its 22nd practice of fall camp.

Coach Craig Bohl said it was a good practice, and the team continues preparations for its Sept. 5 season-opener at home against North Dakota.

Bohl said senior running back Shaun Wick is getting back to full speed after dealing with a concussion.

He also said junior wide receiver Jake Maulhardt (hamstring) is moving around better.

Bohl said UW has “a good pulse” on the kicking and punt teams. Junior Ethan Wood will handle both the punting and kickoff duties.

UW concludes fall camp with a scrimmage Saturday, which is closed to the public and media, and there is no media access for interviews afterward.

“There will be some brush-up stuff, some mock game situations and some scrimmaging with some younger guys,” Bohl said.

The Cowboys practice at 9 a.m. today and at 9:20 a.m. Friday.