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Written by Marco Imperati

A staple in the Tom Coughlin/Kevin Gilbride offense has been the fullback. Although a fading position across the NFL, the Giants have found ways to utilize the position and make that player a lead hog in the running attack. With an old school mentality, a “run first” approach has been in play throughout Coughlin’s New York Giants tenure.

Henry Hynoski has been the starter since making the team as an undrafted free agent out of Pittsburgh in 2011. In 11 games played that season, Hynoski shared time with Bear Pascoe as he battled injuries. Although playing all 16 games in 2012, Hynoski was injured before the 2013 season started. GM Jerry Reese brought in one of the most underrated free agents in John “The Terminator” Connor.

Connor, well known for his time with the Jets, brought a physical, no nonsense presence to the team last season. Both players are now sharing a clean slate and are three weeks away from a training camp battle for one position. In fairness, both players are learning a new offense. However it is not known how the fullback will be used in this offense.

The player fans often look at to get an idea of the full back position in the new west coast/big blue scheme is Green Bay Packers FB Jon Kuhn.

According to NJ.com, “Kuhn was used on 337 snaps on offense, down from 437 the year before and 432 back in 2011. The Giants, meanwhile, used Conner in 245 after just 11 games. Hynoski played another 29 before injuring his shoulder.”

An interesting player to watch in all of this is Peyton Hillis. The running back has bulked up and was brought back to the giants. It wouldn’t be a crazy thought to think that the Giants cut both Connor and Hynoski, and go with a hybrid running back/full back player in Hillis.

The only guy who knows how the fullback will be used in this new offense is Offensive Coordinator, Ben Mcadoo. Giant fans will find out in three weeks when training camp 2014 kicks off.