By Mike Cranston
Associated Press
CHARLOTTE ó Brad Hoover was walking off the practice field Monday shortly after beating most of his Carolina teammates in a series of sprints when he told a reporter he couldn’t talk until later.
DeAngelo Williams immediately pounced.
“He’s big-timing you,” the running back said with a laugh. “He blocks for two (near) 1,000-yard rushers and look.”
Hoover blushed and pointed to the JUGS machine. He couldn’t talk yet because he was about to catch more passes from the machine.
The message was clear: The Panthers may have drafted Tony Fiammetta out of Syracuse in the fourth round, but the 32-year-old fullback isn’t ready to give up his job.
“I think I’ve had a pretty successful career, and I’m happy with it,” Hoover said. “But I think there’s some football left in me.”
Hoover ó or “Hooooooov” as his fans yell when he gets a rare carry ó has been a mainstay in Carolina’s backfield for nearly a decade. A native of Thomasville who attended Ledford High School, Hoover went from an undrafted rookie out of Western Carolina into one of the most reliable blocking fullbacks in the NFL.
Hoover, who ranks fourth in team history with 142 games played, has fought off other challengers for his job. But Fiammetta is the highest-drafted fullback in team history.
“I was surprised,” Hoover said of Carolina’s draft decision. “I really didn’t understand at the time. I was sort of agitated because I thought I had a pretty good year last year.”
The fullback rarely runs the ball in Carolina’s offense ó Hoover had nine carries for 18 yards in 2008 ó but is relied upon to open holes.
Hoover did plenty of that last season as the Panthers ranked third in the NFL in rushing.
Williams rushed for a team-record 1,515 yards and 18 touchdowns. Rookie Jonathan Stewart added 836 yards rushing and 10 TDs as the Panthers won the NFC South.
But Hoover, who will turn 33 in November, takes a lot of pounding at his position. Even with two years left on his contract, there’s a chance he could be replaced by younger, cheaper talent.
“It’s going to be hard to replace a guy like Brad Hoover,” Panthers receiver Muhsin Muhammad said.
“There are things you learn from playing this game that can’t be duplicated.
“Brad is one of those special players that can do just about anything. Line him up at receiver or halfback, fullback, tight end. He’s interchangeable. He’s very knowledgeable about the game. Smart kid, local boy.”
The threat of losing his job has motivated Hoover to work even harder this offseason. He said his body has recovered well from last season, and he’s in perhaps the best shape of his career.
He hopes he can play another three seasons. It helps that he still contributes on special teams, too.
“I want to play as long as I can as long as I’m physically able to help a team or help this team and my body is not just falling apart,” Hoover said. “I don’t want to be that guy who just holds on to be holding on.”
Hoover showed at Monday’s optional workout that he has plenty left and hasn’t lost the competitive drive that helped him get to the NFL despite long odds.
That will help as he looks over his shoulder to see Fiammetta, a similar size player touted as an excellent blocker.
“I like Tony. He’s a good guy,” Hoover said. “I sort of want to show him what’s going on, teach him a few things. But also I can’t let all the tricks out of my bag because we’re fighting for a position.”
n
Notes: Muhammad practiced for the first time after missing last week to handle a personal matter. … Stewart (ankle) remained sidelined. … LB Thomas Davis watched practice with an undisclosed injury. … WR Ryne Robinson (knee) returned to practice. … Because training camp doesn’t start until Aug. 2, coach John Fox has increased the number of optional workouts from 11 over three weeks to 15 over four weeks, ending June 18.