Fred Wakefield to play "Old School" style football for the Oakland Raiders on Friday

August 28, 3:39 PMOakland Raiders ExaminerPatrick Patterson

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Fred Wakefield practicing offensively

Break out the leather helmets, The Oakland Raiders' Fred Wakefield is bringing back some old school football on Friday against the Seattle Seahawks. With Kiffin making the decision not to play any starters in that game, Wakefield will see time playing both ways.

Once upon a time there was no such thing as free substitution and the vast majority of the players played offense, defense, and special teams. Hall of Famer Sam Huff, was the last of that breed earning him the nickname "The Last of the 60 minute men. There have been a few cases of players switching sides of the ball for a package or two. Cornerback Deion Sanders played some wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys in the 90s, and the Patriots used wide receiver Troy Brown as a dime back when there had been a rash of injuries. Wakefield, however will see significant time on both sides of the ball--ON THE LINES.

The Raiders originally signed Wakefield as a tight end and moved him to the defensive line over the offseason. In training camp, due to issues along the line they had Wakefield playing on the offensive line. In the Seahawks game, he will be playing one half as a defensive linemen and the other half as an offensive lineman.

In an era where the general rule of the NFL is specialization: Third down back, pass rushing defensive end, dime back, goal line running back, Wakefield is a breath of fresh air. He has made himself invaluable to the Raiders by giving them one body who can fill multiple needs if they arise.

The best comparison in sports is a "Utility player" in baseball. He is not the guy you want starting at any position, but he can fill in nearly every position but pitcher and catcher. (Just think of Tony Phillips in the mid 80s.) Wakefield will provide valuable depth for the Raiders for the season.