SEAHAWKS: Expect Justin Griffith to be starting fullback

Griffith knows Knapp's offenses and knows zone blocking. Schmitt should benefit from Griffith's knowledge and help speed his ascension to the no. 1 fullback spot. Seahawks.com

The team's depth chart may say otherwise, but Justin Griffith will likely start at fullback in 2009.

Many fans would like to see the helmet-smashing second year fullback Owen Schmitt on the field more often next season after watching him bulldoze the way for T.J. Duckett.

But, Griffith knows offensive coordinator Greg Knapp's offenses, having worked together since 2004, and contributed to Knapp's top-ranked rushing attacks.

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That's not to say Schmitt won't eventually supplant Griffith because the former fifth rounder has everything a coach could ask for in a fullback, namely infamous blocking talent.

From Clare Farnsworth:

There’s also another element to the Seahawks’ interest in Griffith: He is serving as a mentor to Owen Schmitt, a fifth-round draft choice last year who saw limited action as a rookie while playing behind departed starter Leonard Weaver.

Griffith could be termed an "old-school" fullback, one whose sole purpose is to block. But, Griffith offered some insight into Knapp's creative West coast offense and Griffith's own skillset:

“But I really don’t consider myself that type of fullback now. Because Greg loves to mix it up. You’ll get some touches. You’ll catch the ball."

Griffith's name is probably second to Schmitt's on the depth chart due to Griffith recovering from a knee injury and not practicing for the beginning of mini-camp and OTA's.

NSS's scouting report on Griffith
Griffith is a pure blocking fullback. He paved the way for the league's best rushing attack in Atlanta when Jim Mora and Greg Knapp were coaching there.

He can also be a decent threat in the passing game, totaling more than 20 receptions his past five seasons. He will be 29 at the start of the season.

Griffith will battle for the starting position with second-year FB Owen Schmitt, who the 'Hawks drafted in the fifth round of last year's draft. Like Griffith, Schmitt is known as a punishing blocker, and he outweighs Griffith by almost 20 pounds.

Reach Aaron Weinberg at nextseasonsports@gmail.com