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Terry is fallback plan at fullback
Jason Lloyd, Journal Register News Service
04/13/2008
Linebacker might change positions for final year at OSU

COLUMBUS - The conga line at fullback just grew a little longer, but Curtis Terry might be the one who ends the debate.

Terry is the latest linebacker to get a tryout at fullback, following the lead of Austin Spitler, Andrew Sweat, Ryan Lukens and a number of walk-ons. The Buckeyes are trying to fill the only glaring hole on offense, although it's fairly significant - serving as the lead blocker to Beanie Wells, perhaps the top tailback in the country.

Terry has worked extensively at fullback the last two weeks, including Saturday's jersey scrimmage. He is in position to replace Larry Grant at outside linebacker, but he might ultimately fit nicely at fullback, too.
"I feel like I'm a defensive player, but we need a fullback," Terry said. "If I can help, I'll do it."

Terry missed all of last season with an ankle injury. Upon being granted a fifth season, Terry joined a crowded mix at linebacker that includes James Laurinaitis, Marcus Freeman, Ross Homan, Tyler Moeller, Brian Rolle and Andrew Sweat.
Ironically, it might be Terry's flexibility on defense that makes him a good fit at fullback.
"He can play any of the three linebacker positions, so those are usually the guys the fullback is assigned to block," Coach Jim Tressel said. "He knows what they're doing."

Tressel said he wanted Terry to get time at fullback now, so if the situation becomes dire in the fall, he won't be forced to learn a new position in a month. With the annual spring game a week away, no final decisions will be made on fullback until the fall.
"That's something we have to assess when spring ball is over," Tressel said.

For now, old habits are hard to break. While trying to block defenders, Terry keeps tackling them.
"That's what I'm used to doing," Terry said. "Arms out, drive my hips and run into them. Spitler doesn't like it, because he's been the victim most of the time. I'm trying to get better. It's just a different feeling."

The News-Herald - Terry is fallback plan at fullback