Currently enjoying a stellar week of practice, former North Carolina Tar Heels offensive lineman Willie Lampkin became the talk of the Senior Bowl with a possible position change.
Is a Position Switch in Store for Willie Lampkin?
Lampkin could see a very different Sunday future than he imagined. In the midst of executing well during drills in Mobile, Ala., floating a position change became a hot topic.
Could the 5’11”, 270-pound guard/center make the switch to fullback at the next level? If you watch his film, the thought of a conversion doesn’t seem that far-fetched of an idea.
Lampkin’s leverage, combined with choppy steps and power, would absolutely translate. Plus, his extensive blocking experience opens up a flurry of possibilities.
Normally, many defenders salivate at the opportunities to truck someone they consider smaller and weaker to blow up a play. Lampkin is only smaller in height. His 270 pounds will win more than its fair share of battles. Surrendering zero sacks and garnering All-American status doesn’t hurt, either.
The positional switch would benefit Lampkin immediately. As an interior lineman, he struggled with anchoring, and his shorter arms hurt him in run blocking up front. However, where the former standout shines are the quick-twitch approach to getting to the defender in space.
As a fullback, the ability to make up that amount of space in a limited time will earn you playing time, and not just near the goal line, where the offense looks to cash in with a heavy package.
As mentioned, Lampkin’s leverage, whether through his size or wrestling background, will clear cavernous holes for running backs to push through. Now, that doesn’t mean that he can just walk into training camp and settle in.
In fact, Lampkin will need to drop roughly 10-15 pounds of weight, for one simple reason. Some offenses will occasionally throw the fullback the ball and he would need to be come into camp a little lighter, in order to make plays out of the backfield.
Lampkin’s arrival could not happen at a better time. The NFL, by the look of the rosters, appears to reinvigorate the position of fullback. With five fullbacks on active rosters to end the season, you can see a renaissance of sorts in the backfield.
Names like Kyle Juszczyk (49ers), Patrick Ricard (Ravens), and Alec Ingold (Dolphins) spring to mind, as the most well-known. Each plays a vital role in the dominance of their run games.
For example, the 49ers and Ravens rank among the most prolific rushing teams of the past half-decade or so. As a result, the role of the fullback becomes of utmost importance as teams attempt to move the ball on the ground. Additionally, the added bonus of fatiguing defenses also helps when the second half brings a battle of contrition.
Lampkin may not hear his name on the first two days of the 2025 NFL Draft. Yet, his potential value to teams cannot go understated. Players at less-than-utilized positions will need to fight harder just to make it to the opening roster.
Lampkin, fully aware of this, will prepare himself for a months-long battle under the hot summer sun, regardless of where he ends up.
KEEP READING: Biggest Winners From 2025 Senior Bowl Measurements
Now, in appraising his draft value, factor in a few aspects. First, Lampkin could conceivably slide into a reserve spot as a center or guard in a rotation. How, the true worth to him, to see the field, will come at fullback.
Within the confines of an offense, especially of a team that wants to dominate in the run game, a solid backfield blocker becomes indispensable. Moreover, imagine on sweeps or screens to see Lampkin clearing the path, allowing backs to gain daylight when rolling downfield.
College Football Network has you covered with the latest from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, and every Group of Five conference and FBS Independent program.
