Depth at tight end and fullback will decide what formations the Virginia Tech offense can use effectively during the 2012 season. Through the years, we've seen Tech's depth and talent at fullback drop off, and as a result the Hokies employed more Ace (two tight end) formations. For the last few years, they've done something that we never would have imagined 10-15 years ago…used a lot of spread formations to make up for a lack of depth at fullback and tight end.
The advent of zone blocking has rendered the traditional fullback irrelevant in many ways. These days, an H-back is more useful because he is capable of lining up at fullback, H-back or even an in-line tight end. He's a more versatile player, and he can be used in a variety of formations.