Raiders fullback hopes for expanded role

NAPA, Calif. – Marcel Reece is listed as the Raiders' starting fullback on the team's depth chart.

When he's asked, it's the position he tells people he plays.

He just has an issue with the job title.

Reece prefers to think of himself as more than just a fullback. Judging from the way Oakland used him last season, it would be tough to argue.

He had three touchdown receptions in 2010, including a 73-yarder and a 51-yarder that both came on screen passes.

Reece also played a key role in the Raiders' backfield as lead blocker for running back Darren McFadden, who helped anchor the NFL's second-ranked rushing offense.

"I consider myself as a player going out there and doing whatever is possible to make plays," Reece said Sunday. "I never want to limit myself by saying I am a fullback or I'm this or that. Just go out there and make plays and not put a title on it."

The Raiders made significant strides on offense last season when Hue Jackson served as offensive coordinator. Jackson was promoted to replace coach Tom Cable in the offseason and has picked up where he left off while trying to build on the momentum gained from Oakland's 8-8 finish.

While the team has numerous questions along its offensive line, most of the skill positions are set.

That includes the 6-foot-3, 240-pound Reece who is only slightly bigger than the two running backs he'll be blocking for this season: McFadden and Michael Bush.

Reece's versatility as a blocker, receiver and runner — he carried 30 times for 122 yards and a touchdown — earned him a bigger role in the Raiders' offense than the fullback has traditionally had. It also helped add a new wrinkle to Jackson's offense, one the team hopes to exploit more this season.

"Each year you look for things to improve on," quarterback Jason Campbell said. "Last year we had one of the top rushing teams in the league. This year we want to be able to be up there in passing also and put both of them up there. That would mean we're being dynamic as an offense."

Few players at his position were as productive as Reece in 2010.

His 25 receptions, 12 of which resulted in first downs, led fullbacks last season. Reece's rushing total was more than any Raiders fullback since 2006.

"It's a role I embrace and take on and have fun with," Reece said. "My role, I hope, is expanding. You never know how a game is going to go, so whenever the coaches need a play from me or need me to do something I'm going to try to produce."

That could include lining up as an H-back to help fill the void left when tight end Zach Miller signed with Seattle. Reece has the size to play the position and can create matchup problems with linebackers.

"We're definitely going to surprise a lot of people with our passing game this year," Reece said. "Last year we did a lot of great things and we had the No. 2 running game in the league. There's a lot of big things to come."

Notes: McFadden is still sidelined because of a fractured orbital bone. ... Rookie Joseph Barksdale took reps at left tackle after spending most of camp at right tackle. Barksdale was also involved in a fracas with teammate Tommie Hill. Barksdale threw three punches during the scrum before the two were separated.