Dec 1, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Tyson Alualu (93) against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
The Jaguars don't have a traditional fullback on the roster, so head coach Gus Bradley is looking to the defensive line for help in short-yardage situations.
According to Vito Stellino of the Florida Times-Union, Jacksonville used Thursday's training camp practice to unveil a new formation where veteran defensive end Tyson Alualu is used as a blocking back. Stellino reports the team is likely to try the 6-foot-3, 295-pound Alualu at fullback during preseason games before deciding whether to continue the experiment in the regular season.
Defensive end Ryan Davis said Alualu should be able to thrive in the role.
"I think Tyson is going to help us a lot,'' Davis said, via Stellino. "It'll be a big help for us. With him and Toby (Gerhart) in the backfield, it'll be a tough combination to bring down. It can do nothing but help us, especially in short-yardage situations. Nine times out of ten, we'll win that battle with those two.''
The 28-year-old Alualu, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2010 draft, said he's up for the challenge of playing on the other side of the ball.
"It's definitely fun to have a chance to go out and blow somebody up and get a first down or get in the end zone,'' Alualu said. "I'm all for it. It'll be a great opportunity and I'll try to make the most of it.''
(h/t Florida Times-Union)
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