STEPHENVILLE OFFENSIVE LINE PLAY TACKLE PULL IN THE POWER GAME

BY JEREMIAH BUTCHEE - STEPHENVILLE OFFENSIVE LINE COACH/RUN GAME COORDINATOR

One thing we do here in Stephenville that is pretty unique, and has been a game changer for us since 2020, is pulling the tackle on all the plays in our Power Menu. While most blocking scheme adjustments are based on game planning for a defensive front, our decision to start pulling the tackle began with personnel. In 2020, we had a junior offensive tackle that was the best puller on our line; so we decided to see what it would look like to pull him on Power and GF Counter (which became TF Counter), along with GT Counter and Dart. While the decision began with personnel, we have kept the tackle as the primary puller because of how much it benefits our blocking scheme in the Power Menu both on the backside and the playside. Now that you know the history, the question still remains: Why does Stephenville pull the tackle on Power?

#1: Eliminates Tackle/Center Squeeze

Pulling the tackle eliminates the need for a tackle/center squeeze over the pulling guard and allows for better lateral knockback by the center and the backside guard. This knockback creates a running lane option for the running back on the backside of the frontside combo instead of having that lane cut off by the squeezing tackle. This new lane can take great advantage of a backside inside linebacker that is trying to beat the double team over the top with speed and force him to stay at home longer, increasing his chances of getting caught in the wash.

#2: Defeats TEX Stunt

The backside DT/DE X stunt has been a staple of 4-Down defenses to stop guard pull Power for years and is extremely difficult to pick up with the center/tackle squeeze. However, by pulling the tackle, the guard and center can easily work together to defeat the TEX stunt. We coach our guards to give presence to the 3 technique while screwing their eyes on the near hip of the DE. If the near hip of the DE goes vertical then the guard exits and washes the DE up field. If the near hip loops behind the 3, he then holds his position and collects the 3 tech working to his outside. The presence of the guard allows the center to not have to use a full, head across the bow, down block step but instead be able to slow down and stay square on his way to the 3. The center being under control allows him to redirect and pick up the loop DE if his 3 tech disappears behind the guard.

#3: Gives Playside Options vs. 3-Down

Pulling the tackle opens up playside blocking adjustments especially vs. 3-Down. If you are facing a 4i that is creating a hard spot or if you are facing a 5 tech that you are able to kick but have a nosy outside LB that is folding inside the kick, you can arc release your playside tackle to the outside LB and kick the 4i or 5. If you are facing a 3-3 Stack and have a backside stack backer that is causing trouble you can carry your center/guard double back to the backside backer and release your playside tackle to the Mike, leaving the playside backer for the pulling tackle.

#4: The Bear

The Bear is designed to stop gap schemes, specifically Power, by forcing the offensive line to execute 3 wide alignment downblocks (Center back on 3, PS guard down on nose, PS tackle down on 3) which are the hardest blocks to execute in any gap scheme. Pulling the tackle allows you to still have a playside double either on the nose or the playside 3 tech depending on how your personnel match up with theirs. Scheme wise, it turns the Bear into a normal 3-Down and allows the offense to use all of their playside blocking adjustments that are outlined in the paragraph above.

Tackle Pull Technique

Skip Pull

- Load up and drive off playside leg

- Gain width and depth with backside leg

- Square and vertical when playside foot hits

- Rub paint off double, kick playside inside linebacker

Kick Pull

- Point toe to heel of defensive end in his stance

- Follow path set by first step gaining ground into LOS

- Rub paint off double team

- Pull Rt/ Hit Rt, Pull Lt/Hit Lt

- Run through contact

- Attach spill defensive end to double team

I consider it an honor to be given the opportunity to write an article for the magazine of this great association and hope that it might be of some use to the best coaches in the nation. If you have any questions or need anything from any of us, the door to Stephenville HS is always open.

Want to read the entire March 2025 issue of Texas Coach magazine? https://issuu.com/thscacoaches/docs/texas_coach_-_march_2025_-_volume_lxix_no._7?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ