That sounds a lot like the NPC class from Star Wars Saga. It has been said that Saga is somewhat of a prelude of things to come.
Ya I was thinking the same thing. After listening to how quickly they mowed through those vampire spawn in the playtest session I felt almost sure that they did something like this. I mean they have stated they wanted fights to involve more monsters, with players killing more thing and feeling more heroic. Even the 4th edition preview video shows PC's just wading through an army of bladefodder. NPC/minion style baddies certainly fill that bill.
