It's hard to believe that I've crossed the halfway point of my position-by-position preview of the University of Montana football team. Today, I bring you part 9 of 15.

The fullback a bigger, stronger, more physical running back. Fullbacks are often used as lead blockers for the running backs, but can also be featured as a short-yardage runner. Fullbacks also seem to be favorite receiving targets around the goal line.

Fullback is a position that former coach Bobby Hauck used often, but under new coach Robin Pflugrad is slowly being phased out. As a result, just two fullbacks remain on the roster, and one of those two may play defense this year instead. Regardless, here's what the Griz have:

Beau Donaldson, Jr.
Dan Moore, Jr.
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PLAYER TO WATCH: Dan Moore

SLEEPER: Beau Donaldson

FUTURE STAR: N/A

This is a tough group to predict, because both of these players had season-ending injuries a year ago. Donaldson missed the entire year after suffering an injury during the summer. Moore actually injured himself in the second game of the year against Cal Poly, but played hurt until hurting his knee in the ninth game against Northern Arizona. The second injury knocked him out for the rest of the season. Moore will see a majority of the reps at fullback this year, as Donaldson has actually started practicing at linebacker. However, should something happen with Moore, Donaldson does provide a nice Plan B.

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