FORT COLLINS — Sometimes a one-man wrecking crew is so effective he needs to be replaced by a committee.
Former Colorado State fullback Zac Pauga did everything so well, he’s now trying to make the Houston Texans roster. He blocked, he caught passes and once or twice a game he carried the ball.
Mirroring the wide-open running back position battle, there will be a group approach to the fullback job. Call it position 11A and 11B on the offense.
“It’s a hybrid position. It’s not really a true, true fullback,” running backs coach Larry Lewis said.
Sophomore Jake Levin and newly converted linebacker Austin Gillmore will take on the blocking back roles. Senior T.J. Borcky, in his third career position, and Joe Brown, a high school tight end/receiver, line up outside the backfield in receiving capacity.
“It’s different than Zac,” CSU coach Steve Fairchild said. “He could do both I formation and (receiver). We don’t have a guy who can do that, so we’ll be spending time with people who can do different things.”
At 6-foot-4, 206 pounds, Borcky will never be confused with a prototype battering-ram fullback.
Recruited as a mobile quarterback who drew initial interest from Southeastern Conference schools, he shuttled between quarterback and receiver. Finally, as a fifth-year senior, he has found his true position.
“I also think he’s finally found a niche, something that he’s really, really good at,” Lewis said. “That makes a difference too. It’s something that really fits his body and style of play.”
By nature, both running back and fullback require a supporting cast in case of injury.
And unless someone gets hot at running back, it will be the third consecutive year of a committee approach to the running game.
Fairchild said there will be at least a three-man tailback rotation of Chris Nwoke, Derek Good and Raymond Carter. Vaunted freshman Dorian Brown entered the equation for the first time Tuesday, getting cleared for contact a year after knee surgery ended his Thompson Valley High School career.
“I got to hold my baby (the football) again,” Brown said.
The wild card in the fullback stakes is converted tight end Kivon Cartwright. He is on indefinite suspension for an undisclosed team rules violation.
Fairchild said Cartwright will play this season but would not say when.
Natalie Meisler: 303-954-1295 or nmeisler@denverpost.com
