Growing Into Fullback Roles

Article reprinted courtesy of Fargo Forum and reporter Eric Peterson.


MOORHEAD—Concordia sophomore fullback Michael Herzog has long, flowing blond locks, a hairstyle he calls a "college thing."

However, the decision to grow the flow started soon after his senior year of football in high school. Herzog, from Detroit Lakes, Minn., lost a bet after missing an elk during a hunting trip so he had to shave his head. He hasn't cut his hair since.

"I said 'I wasn't going to cut it for a year' and two years later, I haven't cut it," Herzog said with a smile.

Like his hair, Herzog is also growing into his new role with the Cobbers. He's part of the Cobbers' two-man rotation at fullback along with sophomore starter Chad Johnson, from Glyndon, Minn. Both players are transitioning to the position.

Johnson played slotback last season as a freshman. Herzog was competing for the starting quarterback spot late into this past fall camp before he was moved.

"Over the years, when we've had really good teams, we've had two really good fullbacks," Cobbers head coach Terry Horan said. "We feel we have that in those two guys."

Concordia (1-0) hopes to get both fullbacks more seasoning at 6 p.m. Saturday when it plays at Wisconsin-Eau Claire. The road game is the final nonconference contest before the Cobbers open their Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference schedule on Sept. 19 at home against rival St. John's.

Johnson and Herzog have contrasting running styles. The 6-foot-1, 210-pound Johnson brings speed and quickness to the position. Johnson was the team's most valuable freshman, playing as a slotback last fall. He rushed for 58 yards on 11 attempts during his freshman season.

The explosiveness Johnson showed at slotback remains, but now at fullback.

"Chad probably hits those holes quicker and faster than anybody I've had in 15 years at that position," Horan said. "He just has electrifying burst."

Johnson has welcomed the move to fullback. In the Concordia offense, the fullback is a primary ball carrier.

"I love it," Johnson said. "I like running between the tackles a lot more. ... I like to use my speed and my vision."

The 6-foot, 200-pound Herzog brings a blue-collar approach with a more power running style. Herzog likes the physical part of running between the tackles.

"I think that sets up both of us really well," said Herzog, who is still the team's No. 2 quarterback behind starter Alex Grove. "It's two different gears that they're seeing. ... Chad is a great back to have there as my partner."

Herzog is called "Sunshine" by some teammates in reference to one of the main characters, who also has long hair, in the football movie "Remember the Titans."

However, this could be the last season Herzog goes with long-hair look. Herzog is donating his hair to "Locks of Love" after this season.

"Once it gets to the point where I can donate it. I might as well. It is for a good cause," Herzog said. "It could be the last time I grow it out, but we'll see."