DAVIE — The
Miami Dolphins in April didn't draft
Charles Clay because of the way he played fullback during his college years at Tulsa, nor did they select him because of how effective he was as a tight end.
No, the Dolphins drafted Clay because he proved he could both play fullback and tight end, run and catch, and because of the potential mismatches he could provide
NFL defenses. Now, less than three weeks before the start of his rookie season, Clay is attempting to figure exactly what his role will be.
"[It's] pretty much between full back and tight end," Clay said after a recent practice. "And every once and a while, they'll have me doing some more things. But for the main part, it's just those two and right now I'm just trying to get comfortable with those two positions where they become second nature to me."
It might sound like a lot. But Clay is accustomed to juggling roles.
During his years at Tulsa, Clay ran for at least 200 yards and had at least 500 yards receiving in three out of his four seasons. He is a self-described H-back – a fullback/tight end hybrid in the mold of the
Washington Redskins'
Chris Cooley.