When a fullback does not get carries from the backfield, versatility earns playing time. 

Sophomore fullback Hans Carmien capitalized on his opportunities last season by catching six passes while not having any rushing attempts. 

“I can do lots of things [such as] blocking, running, catching,” he said. “I can do all phases of the game.” 

Carmien is not alone in lacking touches, as only four fullbacks in the Missouri Valley Football Conference have more than five touches in their careers.

Coach Dale Lennon, who was a fullback North Dakota University from 1979 to 1983, said he enjoys having a fullback on the roster. 

“The fullback has to be kind of a utility player, and [Carmien] is that,” he said. 

Through fall training camp, Carmien has been lined up at fullback, tight end and halfback. 

Running back coach Larry Warner said having Carmien on the offense is a blessing. 

“[Carmien] is a guy who can play tight end and can catch the ball,” he said. “[Carmien] can line up out in the slot and understands the whole offense.” 

Carmien, a former walk-on, earned a full scholarship for this season.

Lennon said it was an easy decision to award Carmien the scholarship. 

“The rule of thumb is if you’re a starter, you should be on a scholarship,” Lennon said. “[Carmien] worked his way into being a starting player for us.”

Carmien said he plans to continue his hard work and capitalize on his scholarship. 

“I had a good season last year,” he said. “I was pretty fortunate to get a good amount of playing time last year… [Lennon] said to keep working hard and that’s what I’ve been doing.”

Sean Carley can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @SCarleyDE.