Sunday, August 11, 1996

Daryl Johnston may have to shift between fullback, tight end

AUSTIN, Texas (KRT)- The Dallas Cowboys have identified a potential solution to their problem at tight end. He plays fullback.

Daryl Johnston, the Cowboys' front-line fullback, lined up at tight end with the first offense for several portions of Friday's practice. The Cowboys also brought in Derek Ware, a blocking-oriented tight end who appeared in seven games with Cincinnati last season.

Johnston is more likely to appear occasionally at tight end for the Cowboys in the regular season. Herschel Walker and necessity force the move.

"It's a possible solution," offensive coordinator Ernie Zampese said of Johnston as an occasional tight end. "We're just trying to keep as many options as we can possibly have.

"The important thing is that we have to get our best players on the field. Daryl is certainly one of those players."

So, apparently, is Walker. His ability to play fullback could free Johnson to appear at tight end more than he has in the past.

Jay Novacek, the 33-year-old starter at tight end, has not practiced this camp because of a back problem, and his status for the start of the regular season is uncertain. Kendell Watkins, the blocking tight end last year, will miss the season because of a knee injury. Second-year tight end Eric Bjornson is unproven and limited by a hamstring injury.

That leaves the Cowboys dangerously thin at tight end. The solution may be to have both Walker and Johnston on the field at the same time at fullback and tight end.

The Cowboys tried the alignment during Thursday's scrimmage against Houston, and the results were encouraging, according to Zampese. When Walker played tight end, he was split off the line. Johnston handled the more traditional tight end duties.

"I don't like it as much as fullback, because I'm used to fullback," said Johnston, who had one reception for 25 yards as the tight end against Houston. "But I'll do whatever they want to help win a game."

The transition would not be jarring for Johnston because the Cowboys ask their tight end and fullback to do similar things in the areas of blocking and pass routes. Johnston and Walker can catch the ball. Both have had at least 30 receptions in each of the past four seasons. Novacek led NFC tight ends with 62 catches last year.

Johnston, who has created enough holes for teammate Emmitt Smith to win four NFL rushing titles, blocks better than Walker. Because of that, the Cowboys consider the possibility of Johnston as at least a part-time tight end during this time of need.

"He could block a majority of the run plays, and he can run most of the pass patterns," Zampese said. "He could do a good job because he's smart. He'll catch the ball when you throw it to him. He knows where he's supposed to be. He's going to do the right thing. He's not going to bust a play. He's going to do his assignment and do it well."

There is a limited track record for fullbacks moving to tight end.

Todd Christensen, whom the Cowboys drafted as a fullback in 1978, went on to Pro Bowl success at tight end with the Raiders. The Raiders also turned Ethan Horton from a disappointing fullback into an effective tight end. Earl Cooper made a similar switch with San Francisco.

The Cowboys were interested in a fullback-tight end in this year's draft. Ernie Conwell of Washington went to St. Louis in the second round.

"We're not forcing DJ to do anything because he's so bright," running back coach Joe Brodsky said. "We've got to be ready for all possible alternatives. His versatility is a blessing for us. If he has to play (tight end), he'll do a great job."

Johnston at tight end does not fully address the loss of Watkins, an effective blocker in the two-tight end set. Failing to find a blocking tight end, the Cowboys may turn to an offensive lineman in the role. Daryl Johnston can do only so many things for this team.

(c) 1996, Dallas Morning News. Distributed by Knight-Ridder/Tribune Information Services.

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