Almost on every play he is the target of a lineman or a linebacker, so he must have the strength to take some bone-crushing hits. The fullback also takes a physical beating. If he is given the ball he usually takes it between the tackles and faces huge defensive linemen and linebackers who want to rip the ball away. If he doesn't get the ball it's because he's being tackled by a defensive lineman. Halfbacks must be able and willing to block.
Wide receivers can have a huge advantage in the wishbone offense.
Defenses are sometimes lulled to sleep by running play after running play. When the Falcons do pass they often times catch a defense by surprise and big plays result. But a wide receiver in the wishbone offense must be like a halfback in some ways and be willing and able to block a man in the secondary. The Falcons have had success with the wishbone because they are the only team in the WIAC which runs the offense. It is difficult for defensive units to make the adjustment to playing a wishbone team just once a year.