Clearing the Way: Sitting Down with Giants FB Madison Hedgecock

The fullback position in football used to be a glamor role. Stars such as Bronko Nagurski in the early 1900s, Larry Csonka in the 1970s, and as recently as Mike Alstott in the 1990s received widespread acclaim for their accomplishments as offensive fullbacks.

Recently, however, the trend has been to transform fullbacks into full-time blockers. No longer as athletic as they used to be, fullbacks in today's NFL game resemble undersized NFL linemen whose main function is to find a potential hole and slam any would-be tacklers.

Madison Hedgecock is one of these fullbacks. In four full seasons in the NFL (64 regular season games), Hedgecock has 3 career carries for a total of two yards. He has 31 career receptions, averaging a little less than one reception every two games.

However, Hedgecock's value to the Giants offensive running game cannot be overestimated. Lining up in Power-I and Strong-I formations, Hedgecock cleared the way for tailbacks Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward. In 2008, Hedgecock helped the tandem 'backs each gain over 1,000 rushing yards.

Given the chance to sit down with him, here are the questions I'd ask.

What was the biggest transitional difference for you between college football and the NFL?

Hedgecock starred at fullback at University of North Carolina. In 2004, Hedgecock's senior year, he had 30 attempts for 118 yards and two touchdowns. He also played some defensive end.

What do you relish more? Delivering a crushing hit on a top NFL linebacker or catching a touchdown pass out of the backfield and why?

Hedgecock has one career receiving touchdown.

The fullback position is brutal on the body. Defensive end Justin Tuck has been quoted as saying he would never want to play fullback in the NFL. Between weeks, how do you prepare yourself mentally and physically for the next game?

Hedgecock has played in all 16 games each year during his four-year NFL career.

You don't get much praise on SportsCenter or in sports articles for your achievements. Do coaches and players congratulate you after a key block? And if so, what do they tell you?

Hedgecock has played for the St. Louis Rams and the New York Giants during his four year career.

It's 1st-and-10, if you could call the play in the huddle, which play would you choose?

Hedgecock certainly doesn't have the softest hands in the NFL; however, in his 34 career regular-season touches, he has never fumbled the pigskin.

What is it like to lead the way for a power runningback like Brandon Jacobs, whose physique is nearly identical to yours?

Hedgecock is 6'3" and weighs 266 lbs. e leads the way for primary back Brandon Jacobs, who stands 6'4" and weighs 264 lbs.

In the past, head coach Tom Coughlin was often ridiculed for being too strict and rigid with his players. However, some time between 2006 and 2007, Coughlin changed his demeanor. How did you personally experience this change?

During Hedgecock's two years under head coach Tom Coughlin, the Giants have gone 22-10 with one Super Bowl victory.

Winning the Super Bowl is a once-in-a-lifetime accomplishment for many NFL players. What impact did winning the Super Bowl have on you?

Hedgecock caught one pass for three yards during Super Bowl XLII.

What are your realistic expectations of the 2009-2010 New York Giants team?

In 2009-2010, Hedgecock will be clearing the way for Jacobs and the new backup running back, Ahmad Bradshaw.

Away from football, how do you pass your time? What hobbies do you enjoy the most?

Hedgecock hosts an annual summer football camp for children in New Jersey.

If you were able to star in any other professional sport, which sport would you choose and why?

Hedgecock was born on August 27, 1981 in Winston-Salem, N.C.