Tailbacks are usually the featured backs in a multiple-I offense.

But when Adam Dach is the starting fullback, it would be tough for any tailback to find the spotlight.

Four players are fighting for a spot behind Dach. Senior Brett Schroeder has the most experience of the group which includes Steve Rodgers, Balden Polk and Marwin Leslie.

“Our tailbacks have not established themselves in Division I football,” head coach Charlie Sadler said. “But I think they have the talent to do the job.”

Sadler will not have to decide on just one starting tailback. “I’ll shuffle them in and out,” he said. “I don’t think one guy will be able to carry all the load.”

According to Sadler, a tailback’s job is not difficult. They don’t even have to block—only on passing situations. “All they have to do is get the ball and make people miss,” Sadler said.

Schroeder was a starter in nine games last year before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. He carried the ball 49 times last year for 241 yards before the injury. He has 611 career yards. Schroeder recently started to practice after an injury and is questionable for the season opener against Fresno State.

Schroeder is thrilled to get a chance to show off more of his moves this year. “All last year, my main responsibility was blocking for Stacey Robinson,” said Schroeder, who has a 6.2 yard career-rushing average. “Tailbacks in this offense don’t do much blocking. We carry the ball.”

Leslie, a 5-9, 180-pound freshman from Rockford Jefferson, was pushed into the starting lineup in preseason practice after starter Leshon Johnson, a junior college transfer, became academically ineligible.

“This is a lot different level than high school,” said Leslie, who rushed for 868 yards in 118 tries as a prep. “I have to be a lot more intense. I don’t have the game experience that Brett and Steve have.”

Rodgers, who worked as a receiver his first two seasons, has recently been moved to the tailback position. “I haven’t had a chance to be totally familiar with the offense yet,” he said. “From the meetings so far, it’s not really that difficult. I think I have the ability to play this position.”

Polk, another junior college transfer, has been switched from cornerback. But he has experience rushing the ball. The Cisco (Texas) College transfer ran for 323 yards on 63 carries last season.

Dach, who has an obvious interest in the position, said he would like to have Schroeder or Rodgers behind him.

“I think Leslie and Polk can do the job,” Dach said, “but the experienced guys know the speed of the game at this level. They know what they’re capable of and what their limitations are. Leslie and Polk haven’t established themselves yet.”