Tampa Bay's Mike Alstott is one of the new generation of fullbacks.

"My title, my job, is fullback," Alstott says. "I do stuff out of the solo set and out of the I-formation, but I am still considered a fullback. I am getting more [carries] and playing the tailback position, but I consider myself a fullback because that is where most of my work comes from."

Growing up in Joliet, Illinois, Alstott admired Washington Redskins running back John Riggins.

"I thought Riggins was a great player who worked hard and always wanted to be the best," Alstott says.

So did he try to copy the running style of Riggins?

"I didn't try to emulate his style, I developed my own unique style."

And Alstott's style is punishing. At 6-1 and 244 pounds, Alstott has the speed to beat linebackers to the corner. Yet, he still can bully his way through the hole, carrying that same linebacker. The combination of strength and speed draws comparisons to Larry Csonka or Bronko Nagurski, but Alstott does not view himself as a "throwback."

"They might call me a throwback because the fullback position has come back in the NFL," Alstott says. "I play tailback and line up in the solo set. I catch, run, and block. I do a lot of things in the offense so I don't consider myself a true fullback."

Before joining the Buccaneers, Alstott established himself as Purdue's all-time leading rusher. From the fullback position, Alstott gained 3,635 yards and became the first Boilermaker to be named the team's most valuable player for three seasons. He also rushed for a school-record 39 career touchdowns.

Despite the impressive credentials, Alstott lasted until the second round of the 1996 NFL draft, when he was taken by Tampa Bay. In the 1996 season, Alstott led the Buccaneers with 65 receptions and 557 receiving yards, second among NFL running backs. Alstott became the first player in Tampa Bay history to score at least 3 rushing and 3 receiving touchdowns in the same season and was named an alternate to the NFC Pro Bowl team.

Alstott sums up his success in one word: dedication. "I just wanted to be successful," Alstott says, "and playing in the NFL has been my dream. It didn't matter which round I was drafted in, I just wanted to be in the NFL.

"I feel fortunate to have gone to Tampa Bay because it gives me a chance to be both the featured back and the fullback."

As Alstott's statistics rose last fall, so did his popularity with the fans. Each week the Tampa Bay highlight reel seemed to include one play of Alstott running through a linebacker or steamrolling a defensive back. His style of play endeared himself to the Buccaneers' fans.

"I'm just an ordinary player who goes out there and plays hard," Alstott says. "I'm a second- and third-effort guy who never gives up. The fans recognize and appreciate that."

Even though some athletes and performers shun their popularity, Alstott embraces it.

"I enjoy it because it is a part of the game," Alstott says. "You do well and that attracts the fans. I love the support of the fans here in Tampa."

Alstott was born and raised in Illinois, but now lives in St. Petersberg, Florida, year round. With all of his popularity, can he still go out in public without drawing a crowd?

"People come up and ask me for an autograph, but it isn't as bad as you think it is," Alstott says. "I don't mind it at all, because it is only going to be there for so long. I would rather have it this way than the other way."

In the second half of 1996, Tampa Bay turned a corner, going 5-2, including five consecutive victories at home. But Alstott seemed to be the Lone Ranger offensively. In the offseason, the Buccaneers drafted running back Warrick Dunn and receiver Reidel Anthony to bolster the offense. Alstott welcomed their arrival.

"I think they will help out tremendously," Alstott says. "They both will have a big impact. Defenses won't be able to concentrate on stopping the run. We have a deep threat, which really should help open the running game. "

Tampa Bay opened the 1997 season with a 13-6 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. Alstott had a big day leading the Buccaneers with 69 rushing yards and adding 3 receptions for 25 yards. But the outcome didn't surprise Alstott.

"This game may have shocked the nation, but it didn't shock us," Alstott says. "We are a very confident team. We won five out of seven at the end of last season. We put our message out then."

In the second week of the 1997 season, the Buccaneers surprised host Detroit 24-17 to join Minnesota (their oppenent in week 3) as the only unbeaten teams in the NFC. Alstott's contributions included a fullback-like 1-yard touchdown run.

Winning is the most important thing for Alstott, who measures his success in victories and not in statistics.

"I don't put a lot of pressure on myself relative to personal goals," Alstott says. "I just want to help my teammates by inspiring them to play better. I want to help this team win. I don't set my goals around catch totals or rushing yardage. If I get the opportunity, I am going to do my best and make the plays."