Anders At Halfback???

____Just what for sure is it that we know about Kimble Anders? He's an excellent reciever and not a bad runner. His blocking skills are okay, but not really to that level that a Full back's should be. His best season by far had to be 1995 when he rushed for 398 yards on only 58 carries for a 6.9 yards per rush average. In college he was used greatly in a one-back set, and never really played fullback until he hooked up with Kansas City and the West Coast Offense. While he is pro-bowler at fullback, one must conculde that he will manage to hold his own at the half back position. He has never had to shoulder the load of being the number one rushing guy, and he still should not have to, unless Bam is uneffective or goes down to injury. In fact he should be a nice change of pace; he doesn't quite have the speed as many halfbacks do, however he is a strong runner who can move easier than Bam. The only knock really, is that last year he fumbled the ball 6 times in only 58 carries, and in 1997 he had 3 fumbles in 79 carries. If he is given the ball that few of times, he needs to hold onto it better.

____The real question is what about the post that Kimble will be leaving behind? Tony Richardson has been given the nod as first string fullback, and we know that he can block extremely well. But that is about all that we do know. He has had too few receptions in his career to adequately judge him in this area, and he only has a career rushing average of 2.5. This last point is of the most concern. He is the talk of the town when it comes to speed at fullback, but if he can't make it through the gaps then what does the speed matter? But this is what training camp is for, to evaluate these guys at their new positions. Will Tony be able to pick up the fullback job and do as good, if not better than Anders? I hope so, however, should he fail to impress Cunningham over the next few weeks, be sure that Anders will be handed his job back quickly.

____One final note, it would appear that if this move does work out then the door may be closed on some running backs who have joined the team with hope streaming from them. Unless Gunther decides to go with six backs, the battle for the third half back spot will no doubt come down to Shehee and Cloud. Cunningham says that this should create better competition, and it should, and may the best men win. However this could also be a sign of an early goodbye to McAffey, Shay and Haynes.

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