St. Louis settles its fullback situation

ST. LOUIS -- Fullback was the toughest position to fill for the St. Louis Rams last year, with nearly a dozen players getting at least an audition.

Starting in training camp, J.R. Niklos, Chad Kuhns, Brian Natkin, Dan Curley, Maurice Rodriguez, Brandon Manumaleuna, Lamar Gordon, Chris Massey and Joey Goodspeed all had a chance to block for Marshall Faulk.

This year, coach Mike Martz settled the competition early. On the second day of the draft he announced that Arlen Harris, a backup running back and kick returner last season, was his man for the job. Harris was already getting settled in during this weekend's minicamp.

Harris played at 210 pounds last year, and even at a beefed-up 225 this year he won't be the typical people mover. But with his running and receiving skills, he could give the Rams another threat in the backfield.

"Fullback, the connotation means you have calluses on your forehead and both shoulders have been dislocated and you've got your nose broken about 10 times," Martz said. "What we're asking a fullback to do, that's not quite the case.

"All he has to do is be an adequate blocker and a terrific runner and receiver."

The Rams' best blocking fullback in recent years was 260-pound James Hodgins, but the team also has shown a willingness to try a lighter guy who might be more of a playmaker. Robert Holcombe was converted from tailback to fullback in 1999, and he helped the Rams win their first Super Bowl.

Harris, who had a three-touchdown game against the Steelers last year when both Faulk and Gordon were out with injuries, is in the Holcombe mold. Harris had 255 yards rushing with a 3-yard average and four touchdowns, and caught 15 passes for 102 yards.

"Obviously, I'm not going to be a battering ram," Harris said. "Obviously, I'm not going to be running anybody over. But I think I can get in some people's way."

Harris also took some snaps at tailback during the minicamp because the Rams were short at the position. Faulk is recovering from minor knee surgery and first-round pick Steven Jackson was unable to participate because his college class has not graduated.

That gave him a chance to get used to his slightly larger chassis.

"It's not that bad," Harris said. "I can notice it, but I'm glad we're out here so I can get used to carrying the weight."

Harris was one of the Rams' best special teams players last year, returning 51 kickoffs for a 23-yard average as well as working on coverage units, and that versatility is one of the biggest reasons why Martz wants him at fullback this season. Otherwise, playing behind Faulk, Jackson and Gordon, he might have difficulty making the active list on game days.

"He's willing and he's strong, and that's all you need," Martz said. "And he's too good of a player to not have him available during the game."

The backup at fullback will be Joey Goodspeed, a midseason pickup who made four starts at fullback last year. Gordon started one game at fullback.