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A Look at the Fullbacks
NewOrleansSaints.com
Saturday, July 21, 2007 - 12:00 PM
FULLBACKS
Mike Karney: 4th year in NFL; 4th with Saints
Kevin Dudley: 1st year in NFL (accrued seasons by NFL guidelines); 2nd Season with Saints
Mike Karney was arguably the unsung hero of the Saints’ 2006 season. The quiet, yet bullish 5-11, 258 product out of the Arizona State was a workhorse throughout the season, filling myriad of roles including as a lead blocker, a valued short yardage specialist when called upon and a reliable receiver out of the backfield. Karney filled the roles to the highest of standards and was deserving of a postseason trip to the Pro Bowl according to those that followed the game from an insider’s perspective. Now entering his fourth season the former fifth-round draft choice attacks linebackers and safeties that venture close to the line of scrimmage with vigor. Karney has prototypical size for his position, often using his low center to knock opposing defenders off their feet.
Karney By The Number: 3: Number of touchdowns Karney scored during the nationally televised contest last season against the Dallas Cowboys. They marked the first three scores of his professional career.
Kevin Dudley spent the second half of the 2006 season on the Saints practice. The former Michigan product was signed as a rookie free agent by the Atlanta Falcons following the 2005 NFL Draft. Dudley spent the majority of his rookie campaign on the Falcons’ practice squad, as well as the first half of last season on Dirty Birds’ practice squad before moving to the Saints. A powerful blocker, Dudley helped carve open holes at the University of Michigan for a backfield that featured three consecutive 1,000-yard rushers (Chris Perry twice and Mike Hart) during his collegiate career.
Dudley By The Number: 7.6: Receiving average as a collegian at Michigan.
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