ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bills will play their first game since January this weekend, and even though it’s a preseason game, there’s still something on the line for players at the end of the roster who are in the midst of position battles.
I sat down with Bills fullback Jackson Acker last week. But before profiling the guy, I first had to understand the position, so what makes a good fullback, a good fullback?
“Not just being strong and hitting people hard. Yeah, that does help. But just being versatile, doing whatever they need you to do,” Acker said.
And Acker is used to doing anything he’s asked.
“He was a running back when he came into Wisconsin. And I want to say it was his first carry at Rutgers. He takes it to the house. So like, he’s big, he’s physical, he’s got some tools,” Leonhard said.
Yeah, Bills defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard coached Acker at Wisconsin, now the two re-unite with the Bills. Admittedly, with Leonhard coaching defense and Acker looking to carve out a niche on offense and special teams, Acker’s fate will have little to do with his former interim head coach.
“To be in a camp, have an opportunity, he’s a kid who’s going to make the most of it, whatever that means, right? He’s going to throw it all out there and do whatever he’s asked,” Leonhard said.
Acker suffered a setback to start his NFL career, missing OTAs with a hamstring injury. He said he was doing everything he could to get back out on the field.
Now he’s showing the decision makers that he can block, run and catch. Acker said being a well-rounded player means being able to run routes, block and do things on special teams.
But Acker’s best bet of beating out veteran Ben VanSumeren for the starting job is staying healthy. What’s it gonna take to make the roster? Acker says being available.
“I think just being available, staying healthy. Honestly. Cause I think Ben’s a great guy. I’m a great guy. We’re both great players. It’s really just going to come down to who can last. Best ability is availability. And whoever’s available to do what they need is probably going to make it,” Acker said.
Acker or VanSumeren will be replacing longtime Buffalo Bill Reggie Gilliam at fullback.
OTHER BILLS PROFILES
Ian Wheeler
Tyler Bass
CJ Gardner-Johnson
Dion Dawkins
BUFFALO’S NEW BACK | Jacker Acker profile WHEC.com.
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