Now I know how big-game hunters feel.
If you think being an undrafted rookie free agent fullback in the NFL sounds like a tough gig, try being the sports writer from Pennsylvania sent halfway across the country to ask people what they think of an undrafted rookie free agent fullback.
It's not all that bad, but the number of folks who can proudly name Henry Hynoski when asked about the Giants' fullback is small, even for self-described "big fans" of the team.
In reality, most fans pride themselves on being able to name the stars, the Mannings, Jacobs, Cruzs of one of the Super Bowl teams.
It's proof that each level requires a building up of reputation. The people I asked didn't need signs saying "Hyno who?" it was written on their faces. To us, he's a big star. We've been trained to observe, watch the fullback, and if he keeps hurdling defenders, it won't be hard for the rest of the county to notice him.
Less than half of all NFL squads actually use a fullback, and to show that the NFL doesn't require its patrons to pass a test before shelling out big bucks, there were more than a couple unnamed jersey-wearing fans who didn't know what a fullback was. Although, this is Indianapolis, home of the spread offense.
Which is why our area is so unique, so much better for having a Hynoski, a blue-collar, jack-hammering fullback than any other position. We've been forced into appreciating the nuances of a lead block, and when perfectly executed, is just as pretty as a touchdown pass.
He's our star, and that's why we're in Indianapolis for Super Bowl XLVI.
But no matter how much access we might like to think we have, it's virtually impossible to get time with an NFL player without going through the proper channels; channels no one in Shamokin had any idea about.
My search for Hyno the Rhino, an affectionate nickname, began early Thursday morning but because we were ill prepared, I heard the words "No, no, no" in increasingly deeper and more authoritative voices.
So I turned to looking for Indianapolis' other white rhino present this week, at the zoo.
Shock beyond shock, they were hiding when I got there. A zookeeper later told me they were doing maintenance on the rhino pen and the animals had been moved to a back lot. Just my luck right? The folks at the zoo were great and nice enough to let us use some shots of their rhino, while a couple signs around the pen offered some facts to be able to make the nickname stick.
Like fullbacks, rhinos are close to extinction, but gaining in population.
When born, they weigh 140 pounds, not quite playing weight, but not far off.
While the rhinos may be gentle creatures, it's not a good idea to sneak up on them. Ask Terence Newman about how to approach our "rhino."
And with that trademark horn of theirs, rhinos are uniquely identifiable. That horn does leave a lasting impression.
But for a couple people in Indianapolis this week, Hynoski has left an impression. In the form of bruises for defensive players, and autographs for at least one fan we could find.
Gary LoPinto, of Toms River, N.J., who we talked to Wednesday about the Manning connection, was the only person I talked to who had heard of Hynoski, being able to name him without clues or hemming and hawing.
LoPinto, a season-ticket holder, seemed like a pretty big fan, but the reason he knew Hynoski off the bat was because he ran into "Hyno the Rhino" and came away impressed.
"In Wayne, N.J. there is a restaurant and Henry Hynoski and Tyler Sash were there signing autographs," he said.
"I looked in the place and asked where were the Giants' guys, and someone said they thought they were in the back. Nobody knew who they were, but I did. I went in the back, introduced myself and they signed everything. They signed a dollar bill, hats, glasses, whatever I had. These guys were just so happy.
"He's a great guy."
We think so, too.
Rhinos may be getting tough to spot these days, with pen management and spread offenses, but with a big game Sunday, Hynoski could do a lot for rhinos and fullbacks alike.