Notre Dame, Ind. (UHND) - The fullback position was never really utilized during the Bob Davie era at Notre Dame. With a new offensive system that is based on the West Coast Offense, there is definitely reason to believe that the fullback will not just be a just a glorified blocker this season.

Tommy Lopienski comes back as Notre Dame's most experienced fullback. He has 44 carries for 157 yards with a average of 3.6 yards per carry for his career at Notre Dame. Those numbers are over a three year period where he started 18 games. These numbers are not what one would call impressive over a three year period, but that is not the fault of Lopienski. The Davie staff rarely used the fullback in its offense that loved to run up the middle one first and second down and then pass on third and long.

With a new offense there is hope that the fullback will be used more. Willingham's starting fullback last year, Casey Moore, had 31 carries for 199 yards and three touchdowns. He also caught 15 passes for 146 yards. Compare that to the 44 carries for 157 yards and 10 receptions for 109 yards and 1 total touchdown over a three year period for Lopienski.

The only time the old regime seemed to use the fullback was when they were doing the option. Occasionally the fullback would get the ball, but never enough for it to be a viable option. If the fullback got the ball more not only would the option have worked more, but maybe the blocking would be be better the times they did.

Lopienski can be a productive fullback, he averaged 6.3 yards a carry last season. If the offense utilizes the fullback, Lopienski could make an impact. Another athlete who we are all still waiting to make an impact is Mike McNair. McNair came to Notre Dame as an all world fullback and five years later he comes in battling for a starting spot. McNair has great speed for a fullback and could make an impact there or if he sheds some weight could make an impact at tailback, his position in high school.

McNair should have probably never been moved to fullback. He came in with great speed and was a USA Today All American. Bob Davie however, in his infinite wisdom, decided that McNair would be better suited at fullback. It took until McNair's senior year before he saw his first category. Injuries have allowed McNair to come back for a fifth season and one last chance to make an impact. Given the chance he can be a solid contributor to the team this season.

Also in the mix at fullback is Chris Yura and Rashon Powers-Neal. Yura set almost every record you can set in high school at Morgantown High School in West Virginia. He was moved to fullback as well though and has yet to make a name for himself. He is also in his last year of eligibility so its now or never for Yura. Yura too can be used a tailback if needed since there is a lack of experience at that position.

Powers-Neal came to Notre Dame as a runningback and was moved to linebacker and then back to runningback. With the departure of Cory Jones as a transfer, Powers-Neal may need to stay at fullback out of necessity. There has been some word that the coaches want to move him to safety but with Julius Jones not being eligible at runningback and Cory Jones transferring its hard to see them moving Powers-Neal to safety with a lot of the other young talent at the position.

Overall, Notre Dame does not really know what it has at this position since the fullbacks were never really used. There is a lot of talent at this position, but it will need to be refined. My bet is that McNair edges out Lopienski for the starting job this summer. He has one last chance and would love to get the title of bust off his name.