In today’s world of new offensive schemes in college football, the fullback position is often overlooked, and in some ways, seldom used.

    That however, isn’t the case at the Montana State University-Northern. In many situations, the Lights employ a fullback, and use him to their advantage. And in 2011, Northern has one of the best in the Frontier Conference, if not all of NAIA football.

    Junior James Chandless has been the Lights’ fullback since the first day he arrived at Northern two years ago. And, like most fullbacks, his carries are limited. But his exceptional blocking ability is something that gives the Lights an added dimension in the run game and on offense period. And when Chandless does get the ball in his hands, he makes it count.

    Chandless (6-0, 230) scored four touchdowns as a sophomore, and was instrumental in Northern’s goal line offense. He’s also an outstanding lead blocker and is excellent in pass protection when he’s called upon, and for those reasons, he returns to Northern as the premier fullback in the Frontier Conference, and one of the best in the business in the country at his position.