Fullbacks. They can be one of the most overlooked positions on the field. The starting running back can rush for 150 yards and three touchdowns and get all the media attention. Yet, it's the fullback who's plowing full speed ahead at a 200-plus pound linebacker and clearing him out of the way to spring his backfield buddy.
Jason Snelling, the Cavaliers' sophomore fullback, is the one doing the work behind scenes as Wali Lundy rumbles his way for first downs and touchdowns.
But Snelling is also making a name for himself. He was Saturday's leading rusher with 80 yards and one touchdown, as he and two other Virginia backs ran for over 69 yards each.
When Virginia took over on downs at their own three at the end of the first quarter, Snelling was integral in the 97-yard drive. He contributed with a 17-yard reception on third-and-seven to keep the drive alive and a 25-yard run that setup up Wali Lundy's third touchdown and a 21-0 Cavalier advantage. During his freshman year in 2002, Snelling caught 31 passes and had four receiving touchdowns, which tied for the ACC lead among backs.
Snelling's versatility in the backfield adds a new dimension to the Virginia offense. Snelling redshirted last season for undisclosed medical reasons and he was a noticeable absence from a Cavalier offense in which the fullback didn't rush the ball once. That is quite a contrast from this year, when Snelling has already carried the ball 14 times for 116 yards in two games for an amazing 8.3 yards-per-carry average.
"A guy his size, playing a fullback position with the speed he has and the ability to come out of the backfield and catch the ball and then the ability to pound it up in the middle when you need him to -- that adds great flexibility and versatility to our offense," quarterback Marques Hagans said.
Snelling's size fits the mold of a fullback: 5-feet-11-inches and 245 pounds. He came in at 220 pounds his freshman year, but made good use of his year off last season to bulk up to 245 after hiring a strength and conditioning coach.
"I've worked real hard in the off-season to get a size where I can enjoy the fullback position, but still be able to be used in other aspects of this game -- catching and running," Snelling said.
The added strength and weight has paid off. Snelling has been shedding tacklers left and right through the first two games and clearing holes for Lundy.
"He's a head-buster," Lundy said. "He goes in there and tries to open up all the holes that he can and he does it ... It's so hard to bring him down. I say when J-Snelling gets the ball, he's good for at least five yards a carry. At least."
What would the Cavalier offense have been like last year if Snelling had been able to play? The sophomore prefers to look at last year in a positive light. He says the medical issues that kept him out last season are under control and in the past.
"It was difficult sitting out, but I just took it all in stride because I had the will to know that I'd be back out there again," Snelling said. "Everything happens for a purpose and I think it worked out for the best."
So far, the rest of the Cavalier offense would have to agree.
Read More
Seven Cavaliers, one recruit selected in 2025 MLB Draft
By Emory Huffman | 22 hours agoThe draft process went swimmingly for Virginia.
From debilitating illness to Grand Slam main draw: Chris Rodesch’s story
By Margaret Piatos | YesterdayChris Rodesch's torrid run has been an inspiring summer story.
Virginia reloads with a new leader, an emphasis on fundamentals and … bowling?
By Xander Tilock | July 10, 2025The new leader of Virginia men's basketball, and some players, offered an inside look at offseason plans.
