What, exactly, is an "H-back?"?

Question

The only example I hear of is Chris Cooley, who I've also heard being referred to as a running back and a tight end.

Sorry, I should've seen this coming and been more specific. I don't mean a halfback, but an H-back. Thanks.

Answer 1

An H-back is a hybrid between a tight end and full-back. He generally weights between the average of both, in the 235-245 lb range. He can line up in the back field or as a tight end, but usually lines up behind the line of scrimage, sometime behind the regular tight end, and is usually in motion more than either the fullback or TE. The first person I knew of referred to as an H-back was Frank Wychek of the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Oilers/Tennessee Titans. The Washington Redskins and Joe Gibbs is the man who essentially invented the position. With the phasing out of the fullback, the H-back is becoming more popular nowadays. They generally are more of a receiver than a blocker. Chris Cooley is the best example of active H-backs. I'm a 49er fan and they drafted a player named Delanie Walker that they've converted from WR to H-back in camp this year.

Answer 2

A half-back. Used to be all teams had at least 2 players in offensive backfield. If in 'I' formation, was fullback and tailback.
'T' formation behind the q-back was fullback in middle with left halfback and right halfback. Pro set had the h-backs without the fullback. (only 2 backs). Of course were variations such as wing-t, slot, etc.. Hope that helps.

Answer 3

Halfback!