To the uninformed viewer or participant, the difference between the positions of running back and fullback may be undetectable. The two positions may line up just a few feet from each other on the playing field and accumulate the same statistics, but running backs and fullbacks can have very different roles within an offense.
Positioning
The formation that the offense is in dictates where the running back and the fullback stand on the field. A traditional formation with both the running back and the fullback is the "I" formation, with the fullback 2 yards directly behind the quarterback under center, and the running back lined up 2 yards behind the fullback. In a strong formation, the fullback will stand in front of the running back but a step to the quarterback's strong side, and vice versa in a weak formation. The quarterback's strong side corresponds to his dominant hand.
Fullback Role
In basic terms, fullbacks can be thought of as mobile blockers who help clear the path for the running back, who is the primary ball carrier. This is more the case in professional football than in college, where fullbacks may be enlisted to carry the ball and catch passes out of the backfield. In the professional game, a fullback typically functions as either the traditional blocking fullback who rarely carries the ball, or as more of a hybrid back who can carry the ball and catch swing passes as easily as he can take on a linebacker on a block.
Running Back Roles
The role of the running back varies from team to team. Some teams use a running back on nearly every play, while other teams use the running back mainly as a decoy. Some running backs are bigger "downhill runners" who use power more than speed -- examples include Jerome Bettis and Peyton Hills. Quicker running backs can rely on their ability to find the hole in the line and cut upfield, while some rely on pure speed and elusiveness to outrun would-be tacklers. If a running back is especially versatile, he may line up next to the wide receivers as strictly a pass catcher in some formations.
Attributes
Running backs and fullbacks need to have many of the same skills, but a few attributes distinguish the two positions. Running backs need to be strong, but fullbacks need to be strong and durable enough to withstand constant collisions, because the primary role of a fullback is as a lead blocker in most offensive schemes. Because of this, fullbacks are often bigger than running backs in both height and weight; fullbacks are typically over 6 feet tall and hover between 225 and 250 lbs. while running backs may be as small as 5 feet 6 inches tall and weigh only 160 lbs. Because of their smaller size, running backs are looked to more for speed and agility.
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