Only long snappers perform at the NFL level with more anonymity than the average fullback. At most positions, statistics tell the story, but some of the best fullbacks in the league hardly ever touch the football. 49ers starting fullback Moran Norris has been a solid force in the backfield, especially after the loss of Pro-Bowler Fred Beasley. He may not accumulate the glamour stats of some fullbacks, ala Mike Alstot of the Buccanneers in his heyday, but Norris' impact goes further than numbers.For example, Norris had two carries for 8 yards last season, and caught five passes for 36 yards (and two touchdowns). He also made three special teams tackles and returned a kickoff. Don't look for him to be returning kicks on a regular basis any time soon -- his return covered 1 yard. The most telling numbers where Norris is concerned are the ones attached to RB Frank Gore, who frequently followed his burly teammate into harm's way. The 49ers averaged 4.9 yards a carry in 2006, and Norris was a lot of the reason.
At Kansas, (right) things were different. After signing with the Jayhawks out of Houston as a tight end, he rushed for 864 career yards on 199 carries. He also turned 17 receptions into 84 yards. The New Orleans Saints signed Norris out of KU, then waived him. Picked up by the Houston Texans , he spent several years blocking for Dominick Williams and playing in his hometown. It must have hurt when the Texans released him in 2006, but Norris landed on his feet in San Francisco. The team can look forward to the future with this great character guy who adds leadership to a young locker room and is a mentor for his young backfield mates.
No comments:
Post a Comment