University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Hynoski Paves Way for Pitt Running Game
8/9/2010 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 9, 2010
One of the most popular topics throughout the last year has been that of Pitt's dynamic set of tailbacks: Dion Lewis and Ray Graham. But when you ask either of them about what's helped lead to their success, it doesn't take long for either to mention their trusty fullback Henry Hynoski.
"It's great having him," said Lewis, who enters this season as one of the nation's top rushers. "He's dependable, works hard and is a great person. He's really smart, always asking questions and wanting to do things the right way."
Many don't understand what goes into being a successful fullback. But the Pitt coaches will be the first to say that Hynoski's job on the field is as complex, difficult and is as important to the team's success as any.
"Henry is one of the unsung guys on the team, in terms of the dirty work he does and the production he has at his position," running backs coach David Walker said. "It may not be the flashiest position, but he does his job as well as anybody on our team does their job. So he's a big part of the success we're going to have this year in the running game and in the passing game."
After a strong showing as Pitt's starting fullback last season, Hynoski says he's ready to bring his game to yet another level. That's something the redshirt junior is used to doing on a constant basis, as his coaches and teammates have seen steady improvements each year he's put on the shoulder pads.
The first step was becoming acclimated to being more of a true fullback. Focusing on blocking at the major college level was a difference for Hynoski, who has always been used to having the ball in his hands (he finished sixth in Pennsylvania history with 7,165 career rushing yards on his way to 113 touchdowns and four state titles at Southern Columbia Area High School). So when he got to Pitt and didn't get as many carries, it was a change of pace. But it didn't take long for him to embrace the role. Now, at 6-foot-2 and a solid 260 pounds, Hynoski looks the part and plays it, as well.
Hynoski still gets his touches from time to time (107 yards on 24 carries and 109 yards receiving on 15 receptions last year), but his main focus is just as he said: blocking. The native of Elysburg, Pa., said he loves the responsibility of plowing the way for whoever has the ball behind him. Also, his past experience as a running back gives him a better understanding of what he needs to do to help the tailback have success.
"I'm just there to play ball," he said. "It's nice getting touches once in a while, but I love to hit. I love my job out there.
"And Dion and Ray are exciting to play with, and it's a lot of fun. They can make a play with the snap of a finger. When I'm blocking for them, they know what I'm going to do and I know what they're going to do. All three of us are in sync with where the play is going to end up."
That gives the Panther coaches a versatility that's important when molding together a good offense. The players' positive attitudes toward their respective roles help as well.
"We've got an unselfish group," Walker said. "We've got a group that's worried about winning football games, and that's it. It's not about whose name is in the paper and who's getting all the carries. They just want to do everything in their power to win."
The backfield's success is also helped by their relationships outside of football.
"Off the field we're great friends," Hynoski said. "Having that trust and confidence in each other just transfers over to the field. I wouldn't want to be in a backfield with anybody else. They're two great character players and great people."
