As football teams move further and further toward a spread passing attack, the fullback is becoming an endangered species.
This is especially true at the college level, and it’s why whenever you see a great fullback, it’s important to appreciate it like you would a wild bald eagle.
With that being said, the fullback hasn’t completely disappeared from the college game, with a handful of programs still opting to use one. Phil Steele recently ranked the nation’s top-15 fullbacks entering the 2022 season, and folks, I’m happy to inform you that the names on the list could not be more stereotypically fullback if they tried.
Phil Steele’s list of top fullbacks list is a journey into the heart of fullback names. Nothing like it. pic.twitter.com/ct25v1nHVU
— Kevin Clark (@bykevinclark) August 5, 2022
Just incredible stuff.
With the first college football action still nearly a month away, there isn’t a ton to talk about just yet. So, why not take a deep dive into the wondrous world of fullback names?
Here’s our power ranking of the top-15 fullbacks in college football based on name alone:
15
Gary Williams, Colorado State
No offense to Gary, but given some of the other competition here, he just didn’t stand a chance. Also, he’s listed on Colorado State’s roster as a tight end and nearly all of his career production has come through the air, so his inclusion here feels a bit dubious.
14
Ryan Miller, Furman
Unfortunately, Miller falls victim to many of the same considerations that landed Williams in the bottom spot. Just a bit too generic. Plus, he’s also listed as a tight end by Furman. No disrespect to tight ends, but there’s something to be said for recognizing a true fullback.
13
Jared Rus, Iowa State
There’s nothing too special going on here name-wise, but his last name reminds me of the Kievan Rus’, a medieval Eastern European state. So that’s pretty cool.
12
Brayden Willis, Oklahoma
Folks, it’s finally here. We have reached the “Bra(y)den” tier. The state of Oklahoma features dueling Braydens (different spellings), and we’re starting with Willis. Not the most inspiring name, but the “Y” is a nice touch.
11
Braden Cassity, Oklahoma State
Cassity gets the edge here for no other reason than the fact that I like the way he spells his last name. Also, he’s a converted defensive end who wears No. 90 on offense, which rules.
10
Marshon Ford, Louisville
There are, admittedly, better names on this list. But something about this name is just powerful. Possibly the fact that he’s a fullback named after a truck.
9
Case Hatch, Arizona State
Like Ford, this isn’t the most unique name on the list, but it’s perfectly fitting for a fullback, especially one who is a converted linebacker. Just a lunch pail name right here.
8
Hunter Luepke, North Dakota State
We’re starting to get into the cream of the crop here. Luepke is a blue-collar player for a blue-collar program, and he’s no stranger to hard-fought plays. He’s a fullback’s fullback, and he has an upper-tier name, to boot.
7
Masen Wake, BYU
If you haven’t noticed, alternative spellings can earn you a good number of bonus points from me, and spelling Masen with an “E” is a strong play here.
6
Trent Pennix, NC State
Just a solid all-around choice here. Trent is a top-tier fullback first name, and this name just has a nice ring to it, in my opinion.
5
Princeton Fant, Tennessee
Despite the Ivy League name, Fant isn’t afraid to get down in the trenches. I’m a fan of the juxtaposition between the prim and proper name and a physical play-style that has allowed him to see action at running back, fullback and tight end during his career.
4
Brant Kuithe, Utah
If this list were based on first names alone, Kuithe would be even higher than this. I’m not sure if there’s a more elite fullback name than Brant. For what it’s worth, he’s ranked No. 1 in Steele’s list, which is based on attributes that actually matter.
3
Monte Pottebaum, Iowa
This is where we get into the elite of the elite. I love all three of these final names, and distinguishing between them was hard. The final two got the edge over Pottebaum, but he has the perfect name and aesthetic for an Iowa fullback.
2
Houston Heimuli, BYU
Houston as a first-name is a power move, and the sixth-year player who transferred to BYU this offseason is also an absolute monster at 5-foot-10 and 265 pounds. I would certainly not want him to run into me. Also, credit to the Cougars for rejecting modernity and putting two players on this list.
1
Jax Dineen, Kansas State
Congratulations to our champion. Jax gives Brant a run for its money as the best first name on the list — there’s just something about one-syllable fullback names. He plays for Kansas State, which has a strong claim for the coveted title of “FBU,” and he’s what I imagine an artificial intelligence would create if you asked it to generate a fullback.
Did my status as a long-suffering Jacksonville Jaguars fan influence my decision here? I’ll let you decide.
But yes. Yes, it did.
