Texans fullback Jay Prosch relishes human battering-ram role

With a blockish build honed in the weight room and a background as an all-state offensive lineman and linebacker growing up in Alabama, Jay Prosch was practically born to be a fullback.

Prosch bench pressed and power cleaned over 400 pounds and squatted 615 pounds in high school. He loves to get into collisions. Every year, the 6-1, 256-pound former Auburn standout gets bigger, stronger and more adept at using his body like a human battering ram.

Prosch is part of a rare breed in the shrinking fraternity of NFL fullbacks as the Texans are the only AFC South division team to utilize one.

"I like it a lot, playing fullback is fun," Prosch said. "In high school, I was a hard-nosed guy playing offensive line. I love to block. I'm not an offensive lineman anymore, but I'm an active blocker. Fullbacks have to have that downhill mentality. I was a perfect fit for fullback."

Now, Prosch is adjusting to being the lead blocker for newly-acquired starting running back Lamar Miller. At 5-10, 225 pounds, Miller is fast enough to generate breakaway touchdown runs. He also has the power to run in between the tackles.

Prosch and Miller are working on their timing in the Texans' I-formation running plays as Prosch learns how Miller likes to set up his blocks and cut behind him running interference against defenders.

"Lamar is awesome," Prosch said. "Now, it's time to put it all together. It's a learning process. I think we're a good fit. We definitely have to have some chemistry built up before we actually start. I think we're building that.

"Lamar does a good job of bringing the block to the blockers and setting up the blocks. It helps me a lot. He's definitely a powerful guy with a good burst. It's exciting."

Jay Prosch is part of a rare breed in the shrinking fraternity of NFL fullbacks as the Texans are the only AFC South division team to utilize one. Jay Prosch is part of a rare breed in the shrinking fraternity of NFL fullbacks as the Texans are the only AFC South division team to utilize one. Photo: Brett Coomer, Staff Photo: Brett Coomer, Staff Image 1 of / 87 Caption Close Texans fullback Jay Prosch relishes human battering-ram role 1 / 87 Back to Gallery

As a rookie, Prosch blocked for Pro Bowl running back Arian Foster as he rushed for 1,246 yards and eight touchdowns. With Foster injured the majority of the season, the Texans' running game struggled. Now, it's an entirely new backfield except for Prosch with the additions of Miller and quarterback Brock Osweiler.

"I kind of had my typical offseason, lifting and working hard," Prosch said. "I feel like I make jumps every offseason."

Every now and then, Prosch gets some touches. He played in every game last season and started twice, rushing a career-high six times for 33 yards with a long run of 16 yards.

"I hope so, I'd like to contribute however I can," Prosch said. "That's what I'm hoping for."