The 6-foot-1, 254-pound Norris has performed the role well since he joined the
Houston Texans in his sophomore NFL season of 2002.
Norris started 18 games in four seasons with the Texans, including five starts last year, but only recorded one carry for zero yards during that entire span – Norris’ only carry in 62 career games.
He has built a lasting career in the NFL by performing on special teams and also being versatile enough to be used as a kickoff returner.
But performing with the ball in his hands isn't what has kept Norris in the NFL. He has averaged just 10.9 yards on his 10 career kickoff returns and only 4.8 yards on his 12 career receptions.
The 49ers are more interested in what he can do clearing space for others. Norris’ chance to make the team figures to hinge on whether the 49ers feel they have a reliable blocking dimension in their other options at fullback.
Norris joins a backfield that already features six other holdover veterans and two recent additions in the April draft, fourth-rounder
Michael Robinson and sixth-rounder
Delanie Walker.
The 49ers are hoping to convert Walker, a productive wide receiver at the Division II college level, into a hybrid fullback who would be used more as a receiving threat in their offense.
The other players San Francisco currently has slated to play fullback – veterans
Terry Jackson and
Chris Hetherington, the incumbent starter at the position – are versatile players
Wow, one whole carry in 62 games!...Were have you gone Larry Csonka?...What happen to the fullback position? These guys were wonce runners?...Now they are lightweight Offense of Tackles...Bring back the guy who could run with the ball a good 10 times a game...
05-24-2006, 07:06 AM
49ers sign FB Moran Norris 
Linear Mode
