If for no other reason, Lucas Sullivan wants to get back on the field to help out his worn-out teammates.
With only two of Emporia State’s five H-backs healthy, both Michael Fulton and Dominic Mirocke haven’t had the luxury of taking many plays off.
“I’m doing everything I can to get back as soon as possible. Honestly, I do feel bad,” said Sullivan, who is out with an injured hamstring. “It’s so hot out there, and they’re taking all the reps. At the end of the day, they’re exhausted.”
When healthy, the H-back position — which is a breed between a tight end and fullback — should provide ESU with both versatility and flexibility on offense.
That starts with Sullivan, who was named a preseason All-American by Don Hansen’s Gazette on Thursday.
The transfer from Ohio was honorable mention All-MIAA as a fullback last year, catching 18 passes for 145 yards and four touchdowns.
Paul Nichols also should add depth to the position after redshirting last year.
The senior (6-foot-3, 245 pounds) played for Arizona two years ago, but after getting injured, he was asked to move to tailback — a decision that would have caused him to lose his scholarship.
He instead chose to come back to ESU and play closer to his hometown of Bronson.
“Not many people know about Paul Nichols, but I think they will here shortly,” ESU H-back coach Danny Cavender said. “He’s a very physical player. He’s going to bring a physical presence to our offense.”
Nichols sat out of practice Friday with a bruised calf but expected to be back next week.
Tanner Wilson is the other H-back unable to go because of injury (groin).
The position will feature some different looks from a year ago. The H-backs will find themselves more frequently on the line of scrimmage as opposed to in the backfield, which should open them up for longer passing routes.
“Hopefully I’ll catch the ball a little more downfield,” Sullivan said. “That’s just an opportunity that it allows. It’s a new challenge. “
The hope is that the position causes confusion in the defense.
The H-backs can line up as fullbacks, tight ends or even receivers, helping to disguise the Hornets’ formation and also making it difficult for the defense to put the correct personnel on the field.