44 days until kickoff, and Mike Karney was the last great fullback

The fullback position doesn't get enough credit for the hard work they do, especially with the position largely being phased out in college football and especially in the NFL. Case Hatch - who's now embarking on a wrestling career with the Big 12's newest partner, the WWE - made our countdown list earlier this summer because his stellar play reminded everyone of today's spotlight player, the legend that is Mike Karney.

A California native who grew up in Washington, Karney's physicality and motor were apparent in high school. Playing at a time before online recruiting rankings, Karney's claim to fame was being named the 15th best player in the northwest by SuperPrep Magazine. He amassed 800 rushing yards and a whopping 22 touchdowns as a senior, and led his team to the state title game for the first time in a decade.

Choosing to come be a Sun Devil, his first season in Tempe would be the last season for head coach Bruce Snyder, who was fired after a 6-6 season. Still, Karney was one of six true freshman to see the field that year, playing in all but one game. He established his dominance as a lead blocker while also hitting 42 rushing yards on 14 carries, as well as 42 receiving yards on four catches.

After that debut year, Karney was entrenched as the team's starting fullback. Over the next three years, he helped head coach Dirk Koetter field a powerful and consistent run game that opened up holes for the likes of Delvon Flowers, Cornell Canidate, Mike Williams, Hakim Hill, and Loren Wade.

Karney had become such a household name that he was viewed as one of the best fullbacks in the nation. When he graduated, Karney ended up being drafted in the fifth round by the New Orleans Saints, a pretty high selection for a fullback even then.

Karney would play for the Saints for the next five seasons, becoming a key part of a rushing offense that was often overworked due to the franchise's lack of a quarterback. Drew Brees' arrival in 2006 changed things, and New Orleans let him walk in free agency when his contract was up next despite Karney being named to the Pro Bowl in Brees' first year on the team.

Today, Karney is often referred to as the last great fullback in football. His bruising style of play was a throwback to the days when fullbacks were a part of every offense everywhere, and it's why players like Hatch and even Cam Skattebo naturally draw comparisons to him.

Karney is a football legend, and a proud Sun Devil. And in 44 days, there will be plenty of Sun Devils that will aim to have just as dominant a presence as Karney on the football field.