AFCA Magazine - March 2025 by WeAreAFCA

PLAYING TO A STANDARD

Curt Cignetti INDIANA UNIVERSITY

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PLAYING TO A STANDARD

Indiana’s Cignetti leads historic turnaround, wins AFCA FBS Coach of the Year

By: GREG MACAFEE, AFCA STAFF WRITER

Photos Courtesy of: INDIANA UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

CurtCignetti is no stranger to taking risks, creating a standard and building winning programs. He’s done it throughout his coaching career and his first year at Indiana University was no different.

Just consider these accomplishments: In just one year, Cignetti set program records for wins in a season (11), Big Ten victories (8), earned the first double-digit win season in program history, earned the Hoosiers a spot in the College Football Playoff for the first time and became the first-ever Division I head coach to start 8-0 or better in consecutive seasons with different programs – he helped James Madison go 10-0 to start the 2023 season. He also became the first Big Ten coach, not employed by Ohio State or Michigan, to start his Big Ten tenure with a 10-0 overall record. That list includes Ryan Day, Urban Meyer, Earle Bruce, Bennie Oosterbaan and Carroll Widdoes.

To top it all off, Cignetti was named the AFCA FBS Coach of the Year.

“It’s all about people, the people you hire and the people you recruit,” Cignetti said. “You got to hire and recruit the right kind of people to have a foundation of habits, that understand right from wrong, that have passion, that love football, that want to be great, that want to learn and get better every single day. You got to have those kinds of people in your organization and then you got to create the environment where they can thrive.”

When Cignetti was named the 30th head coach in Indiana football history on Dec. 3, 2023, he began creating that environment right away, and he had his work cut out for him. The Hoosiers hadn’t produced a winning season since the COVIDshortened season in 2020 where they went 6-2 after opening the year with a massive overtime upset of No. 7 Penn State. They’d also gone 9-27 in the previous three years before Cignetti’s arrival.

On his first day, Cignetti realized what he was getting set to take over. During his speech at the annual AFCA Convention in Charlotte, N.C., he

described what the scene looked like on campus as he arrived in Bloomington.

“We pull up to the football building and they got this Hoosiers banner on the side of the stadium,” Cignetti said. “It looks like it was put up there in 1950, you know? I mean we are crimson and cream, right? We’re Crimson, like Alabama, and this Hoosiers sign looks like it’s pink it’s been up there so long.”

The inside of the football offices wasn’t much better either, but there was still a decent foundation to build on as the locker room, weight room, nutrition area and training tables were all in good shape. Then, Cignetti met with his team for the first time. He said no one was taking roll call for the meeting, eight or nine guys were missing, and some of them were slumped down in their chairs not really paying attention to what was going on.

“I am livid by that point,” Cignetti said. “Now I got to go up to Indianapolis to talk with the Big Ten Network and we got two universes colliding right now. We got, ‘Win a championship every year’ and we got this ‘Doom, gloom can’t get done, impossible.’ Two worlds were colliding, and I wasn’t going to lower my expectation levels. That wasn’t how it was going to go down.”

So, Cignetti raised them. During his interview with the Big Ten Network in Indianapolis, he called his shot: “At the end, I say, ‘Well, it’s a good thing I

came up here and did this interview because we’re gonna be back playing in this game next year.”

Cignetti didn’t think he was far off. He’d won at every stage of his head coaching career, and he had taken risks by taking over programs that hadn’t recently produced success. During his first head coaching job at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where his father was the head coach for 20 years, he took a team that had gone 4-10 the two years before his arrival and went 53-17 with three NCAA Division II playoff appearances and four Top 25 finishes in six seasons.

At his second stop, Cignetti turned around an Elon program that had gone 12-45 in the previous five seasons. He went 14-9 in two years, leading the Phoenix to their second and third playoff berths in program history and first since 2009.

Then, in a five-year stint at James Madison University, Cignetti led the Dukes to a 52-9 record, which included going 19-4 between 2022 and 2023, the program’s first two seasons as an FBS program. The Dukes also started 2023 with a 10-0 record and finished 11-1. Cignetti said at each stop he has made, he and his staff have won five more games in their first year than the previous staff. So, he planned on doing the same thing at Indiana.

That started with bringing in the right people and the transfer portal made that easy. Cignetti said during his speech that the Hoosiers signed 22 players in the three weeks after he took over. They all knew his standards and his system.

“There was no doubt in my mind that we had flipped the roster,” Cignetti said. “We only had three or four P4 guys, the rest were G5 guys, that had been three-year starters. See production over potential, there’s something about that. The guy that can handle failure, has consistency, and performance. He’s a good teammate. He buys into team vision, and he can stay healthy.”

Cignetti utilized guys like that up and down the roster, but they still needed to change the public’s perception of the program and that would come from the product they put on the field.

The Hoosiers won their first two games by a combined score of 108-10. The 77 points they scored against Western Illinois set a new program record for most points scored in a game and Cignetti became the eighth coach in Indiana history to start 2-0. But their 42-13 win over UCLA at the Rose Bowl really turned the tides.

Kurtis Rourke threw for 307 yards and four touchdowns, and the Hoosiers ran for 123 yards and two more scores as they jumped out to a 21-0 lead. The defense did the rest as they limited the Bruins to 238 yards and two field goals.

“We went out there and whipped them pretty good and when we got back, everything

changed,” Cignetti said. “Every game was sold out, five to 10,000 people outside tailgating. They couldn’t get in the stadium. The merchandise, the towels, I mean you name it, it was incredible. The team, I’d seen it happen at Elon. With every win, with every success, came belief, came confidence and it was like a snowball. They kept building off those wins, building off those positive performances, and the team just got better and better and better.”

The Hoosiers won their next seven games before running into Ohio State on Nov. 23, a 38-15 loss. However, they finished the regular season with a 66-0 shutout victory over Purdue, their most points scored in a Big Ten game.

Their season came to an end in the first round of the College Football Playoff with a 27-17 loss to Notre Dame. But, for Cignetti and the Hoosiers, the message had been sent, the program had been turned around and the standard had been set.

“Every play’s got a life and history of its own, like it’s nothing, nothing, not affected by success, not affected by failure. On to the next play, never satisfied, playing to a standard, not the circumstances of the game,” Cignetti said. “You’re up in the fourth quarter, 52-7, okay? It’s not okay to let up because of the circumstances of the game, because you’re playing to a standard. First, you form your habits and then your habits form you.”

If Cignetti accomplished all that in one year, imagine what the future holds for Hoosiers football.

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COACHES ASSOCIATION

NAMES NEW PRESIDENT: BOBBY HAUCK

University of Montana head coach Bobby Hauck will lead the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) in 2025 as president of the organization. Hauck, who moves up from first vice-president, succeeds outgoing president Jeff McMartin of Central College. Hauck was elected president by members attending the Association’s 2025 Convention.

In addition to Hauck, the 2025 AFCA officers include first vice-president Jim Catanzaro of Lake Forest College; second vice-president Steve Ryan of Morningside University and third vice-president James Franklin of Penn State University. AFCA Executive Director Craig Bohl serves as secretarytreasurer of the organization.

Hauck completed his 13th season as head coach at Montana and has an overall record of 138-41. He coached Montana from 2003 to 2009, then became head coach at UNLV from 2010-14 before returning to Montana in 2018. In his 18 years as a college head coach, Hauck’s overall record stands at 153-90. He has led the Griz to eight Big Sky Conference titles and four appearances in the FCS national championship game. He is a three-time AFCA Regional Coach of the Year winner and a four-time Big Sky Conference Coach of the Year.

Hauck began his coaching career at Montana in 1988 as defensive backs and defensive line

coach. He moved on to UCLA in 1990 as a graduate assistant, coaching DBs and special teams. Hauck was the outside linebackers coach at Northern Arizona from 1993-94, then the recruiting coordinator, safeties, outside linebackers and special teams coach at Colorado from 1995-98. He coached DBs and special teams at Washington from 1999-2002 before returning to Montana as head coach in 2003. After his five years as head coach at UNLV, where he led the Rebels to the Heart of Dallas Bowl in 2013, Hauck was the associate head coach and special teams coordinator at San Diego State from 2015-17 before returning to Montana for a second time as head coach in 2018.

Hauck was named to the AFCA Board of Trustees in 2019 and serves as the chairman of the AFCA Ethics Committee and FCS Executive Council. He is the 23rd FCS head coach in AFCA history to serve as president, and the first from the University of Montana.

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CHALK TALK

WHY POWER AND COUNTER ALLOW FOR CREATIVITY IN YOUR OFFENSE

By: ANDY CAPONE, HEAD COACH, WEDDINGTON HIGH SCHOOL

Counter has become one of the most common run plays in today’s game of football, especially at the high school and college level. Lincoln Riley has also adapted counter into his 11 personnel air raid system, and with that high schools and colleges all over the country are running counter. When I got my first head coaching job in 2018, we as a staff decided that we would be a gap run team. We were based out of 11 personnel and hung our hat on not only counter, but power as well. Since then, every year we have run for over 2,700 yards with the majority of those yards coming from those two base plays. In this paper, I will go over not only the base plays, but multiple variations that we run as well. I believe these two plays are so dynamic because the blocking rules for the lineman do not change. They understand their blocking rules and no matter what variation you run, the rules stay the same. I will explain why power and counter allow for creativity and give you multiple looks while sticking to the base rules of said run plays. First, let’s start off with the basic rules of power and counter. For power, basic rules are kick the end, build a wall and wrap around. You can see that here in my first diagram:

In this look, you’ll get a double team out of your play side guard and tackle, a down block from the center, and a skip pull from the backside guard. The backside tackle has gap, seal, hinge responsibilities. In this look, with 3 linebackers in the box, he will climb the B gap and cut off the backside linebacker. The quarterback can read the 5 technique, to make sure he does not chase from the start. For coaches who prefer rpo’s, there are built in rpo’s in power and counter. We personally do not post snap rpo a lot. We believe in our run game and trust that we can win up front. One of the reasons why I love gap schemes is because they can fix themselves no matter how the

defense defends us. If the defense tries to squeeze and scrape with the defensive end and playside LB, the H back is told to wash, or in our terms, log the end down and the pulling guard should wrap a gap wider and kick the scraping linebacker.

In the next diagram, you have a basic GT counter. On the front side you still have a double team out of playside guard and tackle as well as a down block from the center. Instead of a skip pull, the guard now kick pulls and works to kick out the end. The tackle then wrap pulls up to the first linebacker in the box. If you have a H back in the box, he will block back on the backside end to cut him off once the tackle leaves to pull. You can see here:

A lot of times in our offense, we like to use the H back to pull to the Linebacker. This is called the GH counter instead of GT counter. The only difference is the backside tackle and H back switch responsibilities. The diagram below shows this variation.

In my opinion, these three plays are the base plays of power and counter. Power, GT counter, and GH counter. Last year we ran these three plays 32 percent of the time if a run play was called. I will now get into all the variations of power and counter that we use and why I believe these two plays allow for the most creativity in the run game.

One of the things that we do as a program that I believe is different than others is that we pull our center when we have a backside 3 technique. Normally coaches have the center reach the backside three and try and have the tackle help with him, or they cut the backside 3 with the tackle when they run power or counter away from a 3. Instead of us doing that, our center and guard make a call to have the center pull. To us, it is much easier and it has been extremely effective for us. This allows the guard to block back on the 3 technique and puts a helmet on a helmet in an easier way. This is a check at the line of scrimmage that the center and guard communicate. It is a tighter pull for our center, whether we’re running power or counter, however we rep it in practice almost daily. Another benefit we believe it has is that defensive coaches are telling linebackers to key on pulling guards and not centers. When I explain to coaches that we pull the center, I get a lot of, “we don’t have a dude there to do that." My reasoning with that statement is that if a center can block back on a three technique, which in high school is a hard block, they should be able to pull on power and counter. Here are examples of both power and counter with the center pulling:

Now let’s get into our other variations of power. If you have a running quarterback, power is a great way to incorporate the quarterback into the run game. Power Read and Power Read toss are two easy ways to get the quarterback involved. Instead of blocking the defensive end, read him with the quarterback. If he squeezes, you hand or toss to the back who then runs a sweep. If the end gets up field, the quarterback pulls it and runs power behind the pulling guard. You can run this out of spread, or you can have an H back in the box. If the H back is in the box, he logs around the end up to the most dangerous man, either the scraping linebacker in case of toss/handoff, or to the force player, most likely the safety if not a linebacker.

The other way you can add to power read is to add motion to it. We love doing it out of 5 wide, or you can do it out of spread with the running back lead blocking on the most dangerous man if the QB gives the sweep. Here is the look out of 5 wide with jet motion:

The next variation to power is the option shovel. You see many teams, especially the Chiefs down in the red zone, running this play. It’s a great way to get the TE/H back involved with an easy catch. The quarterback still reads the end, but shovels it to the TE/H if the end runs up field. If the end squeezes, he now runs an option with the running back. The quarterback should pitch off the outside LB, or force player, as he reads the end for the shovel part. We love to run this two ways, the first is out of our base 11 personnel with an H back, as shown here:

The other way we utilize option shovel is trips bunch. This has been a great formation and play for us out of this formation.

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All of these variations above we run consistently. During weekly game planning, we might run a new variation of power that we might not run again. Below are a couple of variations that we have ran, however they are not a staple in our offense.

Counter variations are more prevalent in our offense. Looking back at the past few years, we use counter variations more frequently than we do power. With a quarterback that defenses must respect in the run game, counter read is a huge play for us. The most frequent way we run it is with X blocking between the H back and the slot WR. The angles are much better and we have had a lot of success if the QB gives the sweep. If the back side defensive end sits or runs up field, the quarterback runs QB counter.

We took this and then added jet motion to it. The running back now lead blocks if the quarterback gives the sweep. If the defensive end sits, the QB now runs counter again. Here is a good example of said play:

Adding to our counter variations is another play out of trips bunch. I showed you option shovel out of orleans, and a counter to that is shown below:

The QB fakes to the back like they are running sweep, and then pitches it to the #2 WR. The furthest inside WR, or H back, runs counter H along with the guard. It’s a great way to show misdirection and get your WR’s into the mix early. Along with us running inside zone triple, we also run counter triple. We added counter triple because we are a better counter team than inside zone team. We can motion a WR into the backfield, or run it with two backs.

The last way that we run counter consistently is when we run counter super. In this set, we usually have the tight end and wing.

In this look, we will have three pullers. Normally it will be center, tackle, and wing. Center normally pulls in this look because most teams give us a 3 to a TE, which is backside. In our rules, the center will pull for the guard. The other deciding pullers are the tight end or the wing. If the defense gives us a 9, the tackle will pull. If they give us a 6 or 7, the TE will pull and the tackle will block back. This is a great look for us because as shown earlier in the paper, we send the wing as a jet guy and run counter back across with the quarterback. As a

staff, we always look for different plays out of the same formations that defenses have to prepare for.

While we may not have as many variations of counter as power, the success rate of counter and our variations is higher than power in the last couple years for our program. When we begin to install, we always start with power and then move to the counter. We believe power sets up counter and we want to be a good team at both.

Most of the plays and diagrams above are shown without an in-line tight end. When we get into 21 or 12 personnel, and run power or counter to the TE, we have our linemen and tight end make one call to put us in a good situation. We make a trey or deuce call. If we make a trey call, normally the defense has a 6 or 9 technique lined up to the tight end. This sends our guard and tackle double team to number 3 linebacker, and our TE ripping inside to #2. Our wing kicks out the end and our backside guard wraps to the number one linebacker.

We get great angles with this call and the only rule that changes is the combo to number 3 linebacker and not number 2. If the defense gives us a 7 technique, we make a deuce call. The tight end outside releases to the force defender. With a 7 technique, it basically tells us that they are trying to squeeze and spill. This way we have the spill defender accounted for with our tight end. The combo goes back to the number 2 linebacker, and our backside tackle can climb to number three if the backside end does not try to stunt through the b gap.

In all the diagrams and plays that I have talked about, they are based on a 4-3 defense. The rules for power and counter for us against a 3-4 odd defense are very simple. Unlike others, our playside tackle blocks out on the outside overhang LB unless there is a base call. The H back tries to kick the 4 technique out, and then center and guard double team to number 2 inside linebacker. If we get a

tight front, like many people are giving us now, our backside tackle and guard make a T call, and the tackle will pull. The guard will then block back on the 4i. While we do not have many variations to power and counter against 3-4, we do have some checks. Our biggest goal is to create good angles for our players and give them the easiest access to success. Below are some of the diagrams for how we would block power and counter against a 3-4.

In conclusion, you see how much I believe in power and counter in our program. I believe that any program can run power and counter with all of these variations, plus more, and have major success in the run game. As long as your offensive line coaches rep double teams, skip pulls, and kick pulls, you are lined up for success with these plays and everything you can do off of them.

, we are to get that outcome. If wewant less loafs, we haveto talk constantly about running to wewant a high numberof turnovers, we haveto reinforce that to ourplayers over and over again. proof was in the pudding. See belowfor the 2023 FBS interception and total turnoverleaders.

the ball, if wewant a high numberof turnovers, we haveto reinforce that In 2023, the proof was in the pudding. See belowfor the 2023 FBS interception

CHALK TALK

1. Turnovers

CREATING A DAILY DEFENSIVE EMPHASIS AROUND YOUR ENTIRE PRACTICE

We focus on 4 main emphases, but there is no limit on how you can

Our four are:

1. Turnovers

focus on 4 main emphases, but there is no limit on how you can customize theseforyourprogram.

Get the ball 4 times in a single practice. We include

2. Loafs

Set a goal for the entire defense or by position group

3. Busts (Missed Assignments)

Set a goal for the entire defense or by position group

4. Situational Football

Get the ball 4 times in a single practice. We include team, 7 on 7, and even inside run.

2. Loafs

By: AARON FIERBAUGH, SAFETIES COACH, LIBERTY UNIVERSITY

Depending on your practice schedule. (Ex: 2 MIN,

Set a goal for the entire defense or by position group (Ex: 5 or less graded loafs )

3. Busts (Missed Assignments)

Set a goal for the entire defense or by position group (Ex: 5 or less graded busts)

4. Situational Football

Depending on your practice schedule. (Ex: 2 MIN, SY/GL, 3 rd down, etc…)

circuit. We believe that this is so important that we will actually cut into our individual time when and if needed to accomplish these drills. The defense is divided up into 4 even numbered groups and put through a 4 station rotation of turnover centric drills. We don’t take more than about 3 minutes per station. This not only gets us the technique work we need, but also gives our staff the opportunity to talk about the importance of turnovers while we coach through the drills. In the next paragraphs, I will walk you through four of my favorite turnover circuit drills that we do here at Liberty.

Let me jump in to explain more about our most popular emphasis, thanall the others because of how correlated it is with winning. We tell ourplayers they named the gameafter it. One important part of ourturnover day is thisis so important thatwewill actually cut into our individual time when drills. The defense is divided upinto 4 even numbered groups and put through centric drills. We don’t take more thanabout 3 minutes per station. This we need, but also gives our staff theopportunity to talk aboutthe importance through the drills. In the next paragraphs, I will walk you through fourof that we do here atLiberty.

jump in to explain more about our most popular emphasis, Turnovers. We focus on this more others because of how correlated it is with winning. We tell ourplayers the ball is so important gameafter it. One important part of ourturnover day is our turnover circuit. We believe that important thatwewill actually cut into our individual time when and if needed to accomplish these defense is divided upinto 4 even numbered groups and put through a 4 station rotation ofturnover We don’t take more thanabout 3 minutes per station. This not only gets us the technique work also gives our staff theopportunity to talk aboutthe importance of turnovers while wecoach drills. In the next paragraphs, I will walk you through fourof my favorite turnover circuit drills here atLiberty.

The grind of daily practice during fall camp can present challenges to all of us physically and mentally. Working day after day, with no games on Friday or Saturday to look forward to is a mental hurdle for us as coaches, as well as for our players. It was the English poet Brontë that said “I feel death and monotony to almost be the same.” We feel here at Liberty that we have a great and simple way to fight against that death like repetitiveness by creating an emphasis in each fall camp practice. We want to give our players attainable and tangible goals that they can be working towards and thinking about throughout the duration of the time on the field. This allows our guys to be talking about something that they are striving towards and can control, rather than those things like the heat or their fatigue that they can not. Our best success has come when our entire staff talks about this emphasis consistently, and with the same urgency from the coordinator down to the graduate assistants. We have to show them how much we care about it! The more we talk about what we want, the more likely we are to get that outcome. If we want less loafs, we have to talk constantly about running to the ball, if we want a high number of turnovers, we have to reinforce that to our players over and over again. In 2023, the proof was in the pudding. See below for the 2023 FBS interception and total turnover leaders.

We focus on 4 main emphases, but there is no limit on how you can customize these for your program. Our four are:

1. Turnovers

Get the ball 4 times in a single practice. We include team, 7 on 7, and even inside run.

2. Loafs

Set a goal for the entire defense or by position g roup (Ex: 5 or less graded loafs)

3. Busts (Missed Assignments)

Set a goal for the entire defense or by position g roup (Ex: 5 or less graded busts)

4. Situational Football

D epending on your practice schedule. (Ex: 2 MIN, SY/GL, 3rd down, etc…)

Let me jump in to explain more about our most popular emphasis, Turnovers. We focus on this more than all the others because of how correlated it is with winning. We tell our players the ball is so important they named the game after it. One important part of our turnover day is our turnover

The first drill is an interception/fumble combination. We line our group of players up single file with a coach 20 yards away. On the whistle, the first player will run towards the coach and high point an

interception. Once he catches it, he flips the ball back to the coach that threw it, sprints to the other hash, and gets square to scoop and score a fumble tossed out by the coach standing on the goal line. This is a fast paced drill that should get 10-12 players a rep every minute. The only items needed for this drill are 8 footballs, 4 with each coach. drill isaninterception/fumble combination. We line ourgroup ofplayers up singlefile with a away. On the whistle, the first player will run towards the coach andhigh point an Once hecatches it, he flips the ballback to the coach that threw it, sprints to the otherhash, and scoop and score a fumble tossed out by the coach standing on the goal line. This is a fast paced get 10-12 players a rep every minute. The only items neededfor this drill are

drill isaninterception/fumble combination. We line ourgroup ofplayers up singlefile with a away. On the whistle, the first player will run towards the coach andhigh point an Once hecatches it, he flips the ballback to the coach that threw it, sprints to the otherhash, and scoop and score a fumble tossed out by the coach standing on the goal line. This is a fast paced get 10-12 players a rep every minute. The only items neededfor this drill are

Next we will go over what we callthe2nd man in drill. In thisdrill, we areable to work an aswell as harp on how important it is that we punchandripfor the ball. To execute this drill youneed3 players, 1 ball carrier and2 defenders. Align the first defender4 yards away from the ball carrierheadup. Aligntheseconddefender6 yards away slightly offset. At the whistle, the first defender will wrap upfromanangle tackle position andthe “2nd manin” willcomejoininonthe tackle and punchtheballout. Allyouneedfor this drill is a ball.

The fourth drill we like is the chop drill. This is a chance for players at all positions to simulate rushing the quarterback and forcing a strip sack. In this drill, the player will rush past a coach with a hand shield or pass rush arm cover. After that, they will bend the edge and get around a pop up bag. Last, they can work a chop strip sack on a pop up bag with an attachable quarterback arm and ball. This drill takes the most equipment of the four. You will need 2 pop up bags, 1 coach with a hand shield, and a football.

PLAYER

Thefourth drill we likeis the chop drill. This is a chance for players at all positions to simulate rushing the quarterback and forcing a strip sack. In this drill, the player will rush past a coach witha shield or pass rush arm cover. After that, they will bend theedgeand get around a pop up bag. L work a chop strip sackona pop up bag with an attachable quarterback armand ball. This drill takes most equipment of the four. You willneed2 pop up bags, 1 coach with a hand shield, and a football.

Ourseconddrillis a tipped interception drill. This is great to simulate how most interceptions in thrown cleanly to you, they comeoffa tip or overthrow. To do this drill, line Put a coach 20 yards away from each line. At the whistle, 2 players from eachlinerun coach. Whenthecoach throws the ball, the first player willtiptheball up in any direction behindhimwillsecure the interception. For this drill each coach shouldhave2 footballs.

Our second drill is a tipped interception drill. This is great to simulate how most interceptions in games are not thrown cleanly to you, they come off a tip or overthrow. To do this drill, line your players up in 2 single file lines. Put a coach 20 yards away from each line. At the whistle, 2 players from each line run towards the coach. When the coach throws the ball, the first player will tip the ball up in any direction and the player behind him will secure the interception. For this drill each coach should have 2 footballs.

Next we will go over what we call the 2nd man in drill. In this drill, we are able to work an angle tackle as well as harp on how important it is that we punch and rip for the ball. To execute this drill you need 3 players, 1 ball carrier and 2 defenders. Align the first defender 4 yards away from the ball carrier head up. Align the second defender 6 yards away slightly offset. At the whistle, the first defender will wrap the runner up from an angle tackle position and the “2nd man in” will come join in on the tackle and punch the ball out. All you need for this drill is a ball. aswell as harp on how important it is that we punchandripfor the ball. To execute this drill youneed3 players, 1 ball carrier and2 defenders. Align the first defender4 yards away from the ball carrierheadup. Aligntheseconddefender6 yards away slightly offset. At the whistle, the first defender will wrap upfromanangle tackle position andthe “2nd manin” willcomejoininonthe tackle and punchtheballout. Allyouneedfor this drill is a ball.

Just taking the 10-12 minutes in 1 practice a week to work these drills can reinforce how important causing turnovers are to our success. This circuit is just one small example of ways that we love to make an entire day of practice focused down to one specific focus for our players. The more fun and competitive we can make practice for our guys, the more success we will have as a defense.

Just taking the 10 12 minutes in 1 practice a week to work these drills can reinforce how important causing turnovers are to our success. This circuit is just one small example of ways that we love to entire day of practice focused down to one specific focus for our players. The more fun and competitive make practice for our guys, the more success we will have as a defense.

Just taking the 10-12 minutes in 1 practice a week to work these drills can reinforce how important causing turnovers are to our success. This circuit is just one small example of ways that we love to entire day of practice focused down to one specific focus for our players. The more fun and competitive make practice for our guys, the more success we will have as a defense.

PLAYER COACH

PLAYER WORKS A RUSH ON COACH AND BENDS THE EDGE AROUND A POP UP BAG

PLAYER 2 SECURE THE TACKLE AND PUNCH BALL OUT POP UP

PLAYER FINISHES ON THE QB WITH A CHOP DOWN ON THE PASSING ARM

LAUNCHES INAUGURAL NEXTUP SUMMIT TO ELEVATE MINORITY FOOTBALL COACHES

Grapevine, Texas – The American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) proudly announces the launch of the NextUp Summit, a groundbreaking initiative designed to develop and prepare minority football coaches for head coaching roles at the highest levels. This premier event, held in Grapevine, Texas, brought together some of the most promising coaching talents in the country alongside key decision-makers in the industry.

The NextUp initiative aims to empower the next generation of football leaders through targeted professional development, leadership training, and networking opportunities. By equipping participants with strategic tools and insights from industry experts, the program fosters an environment that challenges the status quo and paves the way for greater diversity in coaching.

The inaugural NextUp Summit featured an exceptional class of coaches, including:

• T im Banks – Defensive Coordinator, University of Tennessee

• Tremaine Jackson – Head Coach, Prairie View A&M University

• Cortney Braswell – Co-Defensive Coordinator, University of Cincinnati

• Travaris Robinson – Co-Defensive Coordinator, University of Georgia

This year’s summit was attended by coaching representatives, agents, search firms, and sitting FBS athletic directors, all committed to supporting the professional growth of emerging coaching talent. A highlight of the event was a keynote session with Coach Charles Huff, head coach at the University of Southern Mississippi, who shared invaluable insights on leadership and career progression in the coaching profession.

“This summit marks a significant step forward in fostering diversity and providing a clear path for talented minority coaches to reach the next level,” said Craig Bohl, AFCA Executive Director. “We are committed to equipping these coaches with the resources, connections, and expertise they need to lead programs successfully.”

The NextUp Summit reaffirms the AFCA’s dedication to cultivating the next generation of football leaders. By creating a platform for mentorship, education, and networking, this initiative is poised to make a lasting impact on the future of coaching.

For more information about the NextUp Initiative and future programs, visit www.afca.com.

AMERICAN FOOTBALL COACHES ASSOCIATION

CHALK TALK

“SPLIT FLOW”

By: WILL FLEMING, OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR, LAMAR UNIVERSITY

Split flow run action can be a deadly attack if the defense is not sound in their run fits. If they are sound, then there is a good chance you can anticipate defender reaction and know where they are vulnerable and conflicted. This action can be applied from under center, pistol, or shotgun. It can be done utilizing a fullback, tight end, second running back, or wide receiver. All levels of football utilize split flow schemes in various personnel groupings, formations, motions, shifts, and backfield sets. The purpose of this article is to better understand fundamentals of split flow, how defense’s fit based on structure, offensive adjustments to those looks, and how to implement a layered split flow attack.

My last season playing football in 2012 at the University of Akron, I played fullback in a new offense which didn’t utilize a traditional Tight End. I took great pride in the ability to kick out C gap defenders and have the ball run behind me on split flow tight zone. I then first coached this block at the University of Rhode Island as Tight End’s Coach where it was a base run for years. This block comes down to approach, contact, and finish. The approach requires putting your eyes on the inside hip of the backside tackle and chasing that moving aiming point so that you have a proper angle to maintain inside leverage on the defender. On contact you want to be in a powerful base with your near foot going into the ground as you deliver a blow with the same shoulder pad. You then must re-fit the defender and turn it into a drive block, finishing through the up-field shoulder with your body between him and his gap. The preference would be to have depth in alignment which would allow time and distance to react if the backside of the line gets knocked back or stalemated.

attaching himself to the hip of the tackle and going into a square position, squeezing down, and not giving body surface to kick out. In large part because of the quarterback run game and ability to pull the ball on an influence zone read scheme. While there is a tremendous amount of nuance in the different structures of defense and how things are taught by the different minds across the game of football. Ultimately, there are only a couple ways they can play split flow. For the purpose of this article, I will be referencing defensive reaction to split flow from any form of two back open set, such as pistol wing or split backs.

While there is a tremendous amount of nuance in the different structures and how things are taught by the different minds across the game of football there are only a couple ways they can play split flow. For the purpose of referencing defensive reaction to split flow from any form of two back open pistol wing or split backs.

While there is a tremendous amount of nuance in the different structures of defense and how things are taught by the different minds across the game of football. Ultimately, there are only a couple ways they can play split flow. For the purpose of this article, referencing defensive reaction to split flow from any form of two back open set, such pistol wing or split backs.

While there is a tremendous amount of nuance in the different structures of defense and how things are taught by the different minds across the game of football Ultimately, there are only a couple ways they can play split flow. For the purpose of this article, I will be referencing defensive reaction to split flow from any form of two back open set, such as pistol wing or split backs.

If they are playing base one high safety defense, they will either “fall” fit, “lock” it, or “rock it.” Fall fit means the second level of the defense will move on a string and fit new gaps going back with the splitter against the flow. Lock it means a single defender will run with the splitter and fit the new gap created while also covering him to the flat. Rock it means they will show 2 hi and a safety will roll down based on which side the splitter goes, sending the other safety to the post.

If they are playing base one high safety defense, they will either “fall” fit, “lock” “rock it.” Fall fit means the second level of the defense will move on a string and fit gaps going back with the splitter against the flow. Lock it means a single defender with the splitter and fit the new gap created while also covering him to the flat. Rock means they will show 2 hi and a safety will roll down based on which side the splitter sending the other safety to the post.

If they are playing base one high safety defense, they will either “fall” “rock it.” Fall fit means the second level of the defense will move on a string gaps going back with the splitter against the flow. Lock it means a single with the splitter and fit the new gap created while also covering him to means they will show 2 hi and a safety will roll down based on which side sending the other safety to the post.

Whether it is a defensive end or a linebacker taking on the kick out block, they will either attempt to “spill” or “box” the blocker. Spill, meaning he will attempt to stay inside the block and theoretically force the ball to bounce. Box, meaning he will attempt to stay outside the blocker and theoretically force the ball back inside. The spill technique I was taught playing outside linebacker in 2009 at Akron in a 3-4 defense was to attack down the middle of the block and rip my outside arm through his inside half. This would be a big collision on contact with force meeting force. Now a days what you see is the defender

FALL LOCK ROCK

If they are playing two high safety defense, they will either play an 8 man fit or a 7 man fit. An 8 man fit would mean they have a support player to both sides reading their keys and ready to fit. Usually, the field nickel and boundary safety in base quarters are these support players. Cloud or slice corner to the boundary is a changeup which would make him the support player to that side The field safety sometimes aligns in the alley and becomes support to that side, sending the nickel outside of the slot. 7-man fit in relation to split flow means the support defender to the side of the off-set back will usually be out of it and require the second level to fall fit much like in one high defense. A lot of quarters teams have gone to 7 man fit to combat RPO by taking the extra defenders out of conflict to the side of the back. While it is certainly easier fundamentally to read same side, many quarterbacks can effectively cross read and take advantage of this.

make him the support player to that side. The field safety sometimes aligns in the alley and becomes support to that side, sending the nickel outside of the slot. 7-man fit in relation to split flow means the support defender to the side of the off-set back will usually be out of it and require the second level to fall fit much like in one high defense. A lot of quarters teams have gone to 7 man fit to combat RPO by taking the extra defenders out of conflict to the side of the back. While it is certainly easier fundamentally to read same side, many quarterbacks can effectively cross read and take advantage of this.

If they are playing bear defense, they will either lock or combo. If they combo then the backer aligned in the A gap will have to take the splitter and require the other backer to fall into the open A gap.

COMBO

LOCK

When the defense utilizes front movement and pressure to create penetration and pull off double teams, the fit may not fall into the buckets of sound defensive approach to split flow discussed previously. The positive is if you push the ID or full zone it on tracks, there is a good chance they will pop a gap and allow an explosive play. Zone pressure teams usually keep it simple for the linebackers from a fit standpoint, with leveraging the football as the emphasis. Man pressure teams usually “combo” or “lock” the two back much like in bear defense.

A split flow attack starts with tite zone where the kick out block and backside C/D gap fit become the tip of the spear. Followed by the bypass zone read play “bible,” serving as a great change up on the C gap defender who might be aggressively spilling and forcing the D gap defender to maintain leverage on the splitter. The splitter will sell crunch and then reduce his surface and look to block the alley defender, seal the box, or block the safety. You can run these same plays a lot of ways while training the same base fundamentals and techniques.

A split flow attack starts with tight zone where the kick out block and backside C/D gap fit become the tip of the spear. Followed by the bypass zone read play “bible,” serving as a great change up on the C gap defender who might be aggressively spilling and forcing the D gap defender to maintain leverage on the splitter. The splitter will sell crunch

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and then reduce his surface and look to block the alley defender, seal the box, or block the safety. You can run these same plays a lot of ways while training the same base fundamentals and techniques.

You want to have a mechanic to move the mike ID one past the base rule. The quarterback will be trained to have this in his toolbox in case of any unblocked threat on the front side of the run scheme. It is also good to do this when you are playing a known fall fit team for the purpose of angles on the combos working to defenders falling into the open gaps.

A change up that can be tagged onto either the bible or bird play is to tag “X-ray.” This will have the single receiver crack the alley defender or whoever shows up to cover the splitter in man coverage. In bible, the splitter will now bypass the dive key and then arc to execute a midline stalk block on the corner.

A changeup that can be tagged onto either the bible or bird play is to tag “X-ray.” This will have the single receiver crack the alley defender or whoever shows up to cover the splitter in man coverage. In bible, the splitter will now bypass the dive key and then arc to execute a midline stalk block on the

A changeup that can be tagged onto either the bible or bird play is to tag “X-ray.” This will have the single receiver crack the alley defender or whoever shows up to cover the splitter in man coverage. In bible, the splitter will now bypass the dive key and then arc to execute a midline stalk block on the corner.

Building off the established schemes, getting into an x-off formation and motioning him to give the impression of orbit motion then snapping the football and executing the bible play but adding the triple option component with the x staying in relationship for the pitch phase if the ball is pulled off the dive key.

Building off the established schemes, getting into an x- off formation and motioning him to give the impression of orbit motion then snapping the football and executing the bible play but adding the triple option component with the x staying in relationship for the pitch phase if the ball is pulled off the dive key.

Another mechanic to have in the toolbox is the ability to check the play from split flow tite-zone to a wide-zone keeping the 2nd back frontside to account for the + and widening the path of the back. The criteria to make this adjustment would be if we know they are bringing pressure frontside such as nickel fire or America’s blitz.

Another mechanic to have in the toolbox is the ability to check the play from split flow tight-zone to a wide-zone keeping the 2nd back front side to account for the + and widening the path of the back. The criteria to make this adjustment would be if we know they are bringing pressure front side such as nickel fire or America’s blitz.

TO WIDE

The third component to an offensive split flow attack is to add a triple option component to the “bible” play. Slipping the splitter into the flat on a slide route run at the line of scrimmage as the pitch phase for the quarterback will provide a good change up for the defender leveraging him to the flat. The dive key is still the first part of the play and if he gets a pull read on the dive then he will attack the pitch key in the alley. This is where that defender becomes conflicted because he will feel out leveraged to the flat. A fluid athlete that has quick hands and can distribute the ball in a variety of arm angles is critical to execute this play.

Once the bible olive is on tape and the defense must prepare their players for their option responsibilities vs that presentation you slow down their aggressiveness. This allows for running crunch with the x-off motion and making it all look the same. The critical piece is to have the marriage of direct runs, option, and triple option. This can neutralize a defender’s aggression and mess with his eyes, especially those responsible for the C/D gap as well as QB/Pitch player in the option game. Looking to make defenders life worse, you can run split flow GT counter and have the splitter do any of the same jobs we discussed previously. This can be a nightmare for linebackers because it breaks rules. On one hand they see two pullers and they are trained to go with that, on the other hand they see split flow and they are taught to see that. When this play happens, do they treat it as split flow rules or fit counter.

Looking to make defenders life worse, you can run split flow GT counter and have the splitter do any of the same jobs we discussed previously. This can be a nightmare for linebackers because it breaks rules. On one hand they see two pullers and they are trained to go with that, on the other hand they see split flow and they are taught to see that. When this play happens, do they treat it as split flow rules or fit counter.

As more of a general thought process, if you are playing a two high defense, then utilizing pistol and under center to marry the run and play action game will give their support players a tough time deciphering run or pass and then successfully executing their assignment. Once you make them less aggressive, you create opportunities for side profile tackle situations where the support player must close the distance from outside in and make a difficult tackle. Once you study how the defense plays “back defense” and who they activate as fitters, you can find out who will be most conflicted and RPO that defender.

If you are playing a one high safety defense, then it will be critical to “buy the hat back” and utilize the ability to read the C gap defender and make them account for QB run game. Also, vs a 1 high defense, if they are a fall fit team, you can give them issues with utilizing fast motion or shifting to make them adjust to a new gap pre-snap and then fall to another new gap post-snap. This has advantages in the run game to create leverage and angles for optimal success on point of attack blocks. The effect of this action on the second level of the defense will also allow for play action pass game attacking the space behind them with glance, deep cross and sail routes. QB movement

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in the naked game with the ability for the splitter to out flank the defense to the flat can be very good vs 1 high also. Split flow full slide gap protection vs man and man pressure teams to throw one on one routes is good so that the defenders covering the back and tight end can’t green dog as quickly.

Another important detail in split flow offense would be to establish a non-negotiable of having no “tells,” meaning the defense could have no tips and tendencies based off the alignments in the backfield. The A back base alignment would be the pistol and the B back in a wing alignment 1 ½ yards behind the tackle. If we feel like the play we are running would be better out of different alignments, then we can shift the A back down to off-set or motion the B back from any alignment to hide the cheat alignment. If we have no presnap tells, then they must set their front based off the field, receiver strength, or tight end strength. Once we know how they set their front and what their coverage and fit principles are, then we can prepare our players for the expected structure and reactions to split flow. This will allow us to prepare the quarterback for what part of his toolbox he may have to use to adjust the blocking scheme or if there is a high tendency, we will tag the adjustment in the play call.

As with any good offensive attack, you want to have multiple plays that all layer together and present the same way to the defense. A base run, a run pass option tagged on the base run, a complimentary run, a run pass option tagged on the complimentary run, a naked, a 5-step timing play action pass, and a 7-step timing play action pass. The other part of the game plan phase would be to understand the reaction to unbalanced, motion, and formation into the boundary. Studying the reaction to these offensive presentations is added into the equation to see if it can give us an advantage from a schematic or personnel standpoint to enhance the play.

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There is so much good scheme in America right now across all levels of football that its easy to get consumed with having high volume in your offense. Ultimately it is all about what you are going to train your players to understand conceptually and be able to execute with fundamentals and techniques. Split fl ow run action can be an investment that provides valuable return in the form of having multiple facets of an offensive gameplan that allow you to keep a defense honest and understand what their reactions might be. Split flow will always be a main staple of any offense I coordinate.

STILL GOING STRONG

In his 26th season, Sherman Wood leads alma mater Salisbury to sixth NJAC title, NCAA Division III quarterfinal appearance

By: GREG MACAFEE, , AFCA STAFF WRITER

ShermanWood has been at the helm of the Salisbury University football program for quite some time. Twenty-six years to be exact. Still, the 1984 Salisbury graduate finds a way to connect with his players, get the most out of them and produce wins year after year.

This past season was another prime example of that. The Sea Gulls captured their sixth New Jersey Athletic Conference championship, scored 46.38 points per game along with 471.2 yards of offense, earned a No. 3 ranking in NCAA Division III Power Index and went undefeated until falling to No. 6 Mount Union in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division III playoffs.

On top of that, Wood was named the NJAC Coach of the Year, the seventh conference coach of the year honor in his career and went on to be named the AFCA Division III National Coach of the Year.

Unlike other coach of the year awards that are given out by the media members or elected by committees, the AFCA Coach of the Year awards are voted on by coaches, which makes this award that much more significant for Wood.

“It's coming from people who understand the grind that you go through and the things you have to put together and so forth. So it means the world,” Wood said. “I tell the young guys, I said, sometimes it's called tiebreakers. You know, you may not be the national champion, but you know, if you're in the mix, and there are four or five other guys in the mix, and you get voted, then there's something else that they care about, they trust and believe in what you're doing. So, I think that’s a big deal.”

Throughout his coaching career, there’s not much Wood hasn’t accomplished. Since taking over the program in 1999, Wood has had just three losing seasons and finished his second year at the helm with a 5-5 record. Outside of that, he’s led the Sea Gulls to 22 winning seasons, 20 postseason appearances, including 18 straight from 2004 to 2022, 11 NCAA tournament appearances, two ACFC championships, two Empire 8 championships, six NJAC championships and five ECAC Bowl championships. He’s also the program's all-time winningest coach with 193 wins.

His success as a coach was built from humble beginnings as well. He moved around the field as a player in his younger years, playing defensive tackle, defensive end and wide receiver before

settling in as a cornerback when he played at Salisbury. He recorded seven interceptions in four seasons, including two that were returned for touchdowns. He was also a part of Salisbury’s 1983 team that helped the Sea Gulls capture their first NCAA tournament berth and helped them reach the national semifinals.

That prowess as a player contributed to his success as a coach, which was something he immediately knew that he wanted to be after his playing days ended.

“I said, well, maybe I can still be around the game, just trying to do something that I wasn't able to do and teach the kids some things,” Wood said.

The same coaching staff that gave him an opportunity as a player, gave him his first opportunity as a coach. His defensive coordinator Hank Janczyk tapped Wood on the shoulder one day and asked him if he would be interested in coaching the secondary. Along with being the defensive coordinator, Janczyk coached the linebackers, and he already had a defensive line coach, he just needed a secondary coach.

“He knew how I played, I was a captain, he just felt I was somebody that could maybe help the program, so that was how I started,” Wood said. “He gave me the independence to make my own decisions and come up with game plans. It was

between being friends with the players and being their coach. But he was able to work through it and it was the start of a successful career.

Wood became a graduate assistant the following year and then moved on to Division II Bowie State where he coached defensive backs and special teams. He stayed on staff until 1992 and was the assistant head coach and defensive coordinator from 1989 to 1992.

He received his next opportunity at Virginia Union University where he became the assistant head coach for a year after the head coach was removed three games into the season. He then returned to Bowie State as the head coach and turned the program around in six seasons. After going 1-10 in 1992, Bowie State won six of its nine games in Wood’s final season at the helm.

That was when Wood got his opportunity to return to Salisbury, something he’s relished over the past 26 seasons. But it was a difficult decision for Wood because of the life off the field that he had built. His daughter Sherece was in a performing arts school at the time and his wife, Tonya, had a job at National Geographic. He didn’t want them to give up their lives so that he could pursue a special opportunity. So, he compromised and commuted. That was a plan that was going to be put in place for just a few years.

“That couple of years turned into 19 years,” Wood said. “I obviously met with my staff, and I always said, ‘Look, if my distance, or my commute, if you feel that it hampers the program, then I'll make adjustments. But I just want everyone to understand that this is my job, regardless of where I live, regardless of what's going on, we're going to make this a number one program. And if I got to be here till midnight or whatever the case may be, that's the way it will be.’”

That plan turned into a pretty successful one as Wood is still chugging along at the head of the Salisbury University football program and the Sea Gulls are still winning 26 years later.

CHALK TALK

COVER 4 ADJUST AND RECRUITING

By: BRANDON NAPOLEON, CORNERBACKS COACH, WOFFORD COLLEGE

Talking about defense, it is complex to some, but we must try to find a way to simplify it for our players, so they can play fast and not fully think while they play. Today we will talk about our basic Quarters coverage that we call “Adjust." Adjust is a 3 under 4 deep hybrid coverage, 7 1⁄2 man spacing with 3 backer fits. We will always declare a safety to be in the run fit depending on the formation. Our communication in the run game for our boundary safety will be “nut” for running back to our side and “hammer” for running back away from our side. When we talk about the keywords when it comes to the pass game in Adjust, first we will talk about “nail” in a 2 x 2 open set and “nut” in a 2 x 2 open set. Our 3 x 1 adjustments are simple keywords. When we get into the 3 x 1, they are “screw” and “zorro." The calls for both 2 x 2 sets and 3 x 1 sets will be based on the wide receivers’ splits and/or the TE’s splits.

Getting into each of the defensive back’s primary responsibilities and verbiage for this call get a little in-depth, but first I will talk about the corner’s responsibilities within the call. Before we get into the responsibilities, I’ll go into my teaching progression for this call, alignment, assignment, key, and first step. 2 x 2 open set as a corner, we will align in a “1” which is taking inside leverage splitting the receiver in half. My assignment is based on the call that we get from the safety which we will touch on here. My key is where my eyes are, and what am I keying after I get the initial call from the safety. The first step is which step am I taking to execute the call, whether that be a mirror motor step, pure step, or press bail depending on the safeties call. Now getting into it in a 2 x 2 set, the corners will always match #1 to their side. There are no corners over in an unbalanced set or nub tight end. If the safety communicates “Nail” to the corners, that is simply telling the corner that it is now a 2 to 1 read. A simple coaching point for the corner is, that you are man on #1 unless #2 is out in 5 yards or less. If #2 is out within 5 yards or less, we will leverage, settle, and trigger. Leverage the route of #2, settle in the whole shot window, and trigger off the quarterback’s arm motion. If the safety communicates “Nut” to the corner that is now telling him that he is MEG on #1, MEG means man everywhere he goes.

Moving back to the safeties terminology and responsibilities, they are the players giving the call out to the corners and nickel. Safeties will align

10-12 yards in depth depending on the down and distance. As a safety, we must see our triangle to be able to make a call to our side. My eye progression as a safety will always be action to coverage. Meaning I am looking at the run action first because I am in the fit, to pass coverage. My communication in a 2 x 2 set is always either nut or nail; nut is telling my corner that the #2 receiver is too far detached from the #1 receiver to get over top if #2 goes out within 5 yards. Nail is telling the corner that #2 is close enough to #1 for the safety to help get over top. If the safety tells the corner “Nut,” my eyes should never leave my #2 and we must feel the tempo of #2 while keeping our inside leverage. If the safety communicates “Nail” to the corner, now we are in a 2-to-1 read. Meaning my eyes are on #2 if #2 breaks out within 5 yards, my eyes immediately snap to #1 and now we are working over top staying on that inside shoulder and we will now take all of #1. If #2 comes vertical past 5 yards, we will keep our inside leverage protecting the post and it turns into man. We will start with our two scooch-read steps to get the release of #2. If he is vertical pass 5 yards now, we get into our tempo pedal. If #2 goes under right now, we lock our eyes to #1 and look to rob any in-breaking routes from #1. Talking about the fits now, versus an open set, the safety is not in the fit. In a 2-back set RB away, the boundary safety is tied into the fit, and in a pro set our boundary safety is tied into the fit as well.

The last part of this coverage in the back-end would be our nickel. His responsibilities are also predicated off the safeties call. Primarily speaking the nickel is matching #2 strong and will never travel. If the safety communicates “Nail,” the nickel will collision and wall the vertical of #2 and leverage #3 to the flat. If the safety communicates “Nut,” two things can now happen depending on the RB. If it’s a play action we simply sink in the seam. If there is no play action, we take #2 to the flat, hands on #2 leveraging #3 into the flat. In the run game, the nickel Is involved in the fit if there is 1 running back, we have 1 gap. As a nickel with 1 back in the backfield, we will have the first open gap to our side. We must be locked in on the running back too versus the running back away. If there are 2 running backs in the backfield, it now turns into a box/spill/box situation.

Attached are Visio diagrams to show the passing game and the fits that get involved in this coverage.

Now that we talked about Adjust in a 2 x 2 set, we will progress into the 3 x 1 terminology and changes. There are two calls that the safety will communicate to the defense, either “Zorro” or “Screw." Talking about Zorro first, zorro will be communicated by the safety if we are in a 3 x 1 open set. Talking to the field to boundary, the corner will play 7 x 1 off the #1. His primary job is to midpoint #1 and #2 playing essentially cover 3. The nickel will play curl

/ flat rerouting #2 on the way to the flat to leverage #3. The free safety will midpoint #2 and #3, to the field we are playing cover 3. To the boundary the boundary safety will communicate to the corner “cone” which is telling that Corner he is MEG on the #1 receiver. The boundary safety in a pass situation will peek the release of #1 to the boundary, if #1 takes an inside release, we will double team the #1 receiver with the corner and boundary safety. If the receiver takes an outside release, now the safety will get his eyes to the QB and will be looking to rob any routes coming from the field. If it is a run, now the boundary safety is primarily an A gap defender.

Now in a 3 x 1 close set, tight end attached to the core, the safeties communication to the back-end would be “screw." To the field the free safety, nickel, and corner are all playing in a 2 to 1 read.

Just like in a 2 x 2 set, they will be playing “nut” or “nail” depending on the splits of the #1 and #2 receiver. Making their job responsibility simple, the boundary safety in screw will now have his eyes on his #3 which would be the tight end. He will poach #3 vertically, taking any routes coming across the formation and or vertical up the seam. If the tight end eliminates himself, now the boundary safety must get his eyes to the QB and becomes a robber player. In the run game, the boundary safety responsibility will be to fit off his #3, a term we use is “my man my fit." That boundary corner responsibility in screw is simple, playing meg on his #1 receiver.

Jumping into a different lane, wanted to talk about my personally recruiting philosophy that I break down into 3 different components; identification, evaluation, and development. I will break down how my mind see’s recruiting within these components.

When I talk about identification, for me it is how you identify the talent in your certain recruiting areas. Personally, I like to investigate the all-county and all-state list for my respective areas to seek out what the talent pool is and who I can recruit within

my institution level. After I identify the players who could potentially play on our level, I then create an excel spreadsheet for my areas based on the knowledge I just obtained from the list that I have gathered. I will now begin phase two of my 3-part recruiting scheme.

When we get into the evaluation part of recruiting, I have created an intangible sheet that I use as I’m watching the recruit’s film.

As I am watching the film, I look at the measurables of the prospect which are a part of my sheet. Minimum height, minimum weight, and just different intangibles to make me start watching their tape. As I am watching the tape, the list of questions on different aspects of the game whether it comes from zone dropping to man technique, all the way to tackling. I look into every detail to make sure the defensive back can play under our scheme and use the techniques that I teach. It is important to watch the film though some student-athletes do not know how to make a highlight tape so they might have a play or two that is at the end of their tape. The last part of my 3-step view into recruiting would be the most important in my eyes.

The development piece of the 3-step process is the most important part. To me, it is the way you can develop the recruit throughout his 4 years in college. You take the first two steps of how you identified the recruit, evaluated the recruit, and now we have him on campus. What expertise and drills and knowledge can you give that respective recruit to help him be the best player he can be within his 4 years at your school.

I thank you for taking the time out to read through my article on cover 4 “adjust” and the simple 3-step recruiting piece that I take myself through as I am recruiting.

Limon High School’s Mike O’Dwyer Named 2024 AFCA/AFCF Power of Influence Award Winner

Limon (Colo.) High School head coach Mike O’Dwyer has been named the recipient of the 2024 AFCA/AFCF Power of Influence Award. This award is given jointly by the American Football Coaches Association® and the American Football Coaches Foundation®. O’Dwyer was nominated by the Colorado High School Activities Association.

The Power of Influence Award was created as a way for the AFCA® and AFCF® to honor deserving high school football coaches. Coaches who receive this award are recognized for their impact on their team, as well as the legacy they leave with the school and surrounding community. This award is not based on wins and losses; however, it should be noted that coaches of powerful influence have longevity and success. The winners are selected by members of the AFCF Board of Directors.

O'Dwyer has been at Limon High School in Colorado for 40 years, serving as the head

coach for the past 23 years. During his tenure, he has compiled an outstanding record of 22939, becoming the winningest football coach in program history. From 2003 to 2006, Limon won a state record 50 straight games. O’Dwyer led the Badgers to a 9-3 record in 2024 with an appearance in the Colorado State 1A semifinals. O’Dwyer has guided Limon to the state playoffs each year he has been a head coach with eight state championships and two runner-up finishes.

“In my 40 years of coaching, if I had any power of influence, it will not be measured in wins and losses but in the next five, 10 or 20 years,” O’Dwyer said. “Did my coaching influence my players to become successful husbands, successful fathers and successful leaders in their communities?”

O'Dwyer became a member of the Colorado High School Coaches Association in 1985 and was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2022. He has

AMERICAN FOOTBALL COACHES ASSOCIATION

earned Mile-High Sports Magazine Colorado High School Coach of the Year (2020), FNF Coaches Magazine Colorado Coach of the Year (2018) and All-Colorado Football Coach of the Year and Denver Broncos Coach of the Year (2004). He has earned nine South Central Conference Coach of the Year honors and three North Central Conference Coach of the Year awards.

Known for his ability to make a lasting impact on his players, O'Dwyer teaches life lessons that extend beyond the football field, guiding his athletes to succeed not only in the classroom but in all areas of life. His dedication to his family, friends, community, and business ventures is well recognized. A respected member of the Limon community, O'Dwyer also serves on the local bank’s board, runs his own successful insurance company, and has been a member and past president of the Rotary Club for 34 years. His unwavering commitment to his players and the Limon community has fostered a deep sense of loyalty and respect, reflected in the success of his teams and the numerous accolades he has earned over the years.

2024 AFCA/AFCF Regional Power of Influence Award winners were: Region 1: Dave Hearn, Delmar (Del.) High School; Region 2: Roosevelt

Nelson, Crestwood (S.C.) High School; Region 3: Tim Goodwin, Marion Local (Ohio) High School; Region 4: Mike O’Dwyer, Limon (Colo.) High School; and Region 5: Steve Pyne, Central Catholic (Ore.) High School.

Past Power of Influence Award winners include: Larry Dippel, Amarillo (Tex.) H.S. (2002); John McKissick, Summerville (S.C.) H.S. (2003); Marcus Borden, East Brunswick (N.J.) H.S. (2004); Ron Stolski, Brainerd (Minn.) H.S. (2005); Sid Otton, Tumwater (Wash.) H.S. (2006); Rob Younger, Sweet Home (Ore.) H.S. (2007); George Smith, St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.) H.S. (2008); Jim Drewry, Booneville (Miss.) H.S. (2009); Brent Steuerwald, Shenendehowa (N.Y.) H.S. (2010); Noel Dean, Lowell (Mich.) H.S. (2011); Andy Lowry, Columbine (Colo.) H.S. (2012); Bob Burt, Cypress (Calif.) H.S. (2013); Ott Hurrle, Scecina Memorial (Ind.) H.S. (2014); Sam Harrell, Fort Worth Christian (Tex.) H.S. (2015); Tony DeMatteo, Somers (N.Y.) H.S. (2016); Allan Trimble, Jenks (Okla.) H.S. (2017); Rick Jones, Greenwood (Ark.) H.S. (2018); Dave Nelson, Minnetonka (Minn.) H.S. (2019); Don Smolyn, Lenape Valley Regional (N.J.) H.S. (2020); Bill Blankenship, Owasso (Okla.) H.S. (2021); Dwight Lundeen, Becker (Minn.) H.S. (2022) and Rodney Saulsberry, Whitehaven (Tenn.) H.S. (2023).

CHALK TALK

THE ART OF THE BLOCKED PUNT

By: JERICHO SILVERNAIL, SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR/TIGHT ENDS COACH, LONG BEACH CITY COLLEGE

A wise coaching friend of mine once told me, “That the most important play in football is the punt.” I have to agree with him, because while a punt may be the most important play, a punt block has the potential to be the most exciting. In the realm of the great game that we love and have dedicated our lives to, as each play is meticulously executed and every inch on the field matters, blocking a punt is a unique but potentially game-changing event. It's a single play that requires a blend of athleticism, game planning, and split-second decision-making. From the presnap alignment to the explosive rush off the line of scrimmage, and finally to the precise moment of impact, blocking a punt is a multifaceted process that utilizes controlled chaos that can, and has, turned the tide of a game in an instant.

The Importance and Philosophy of the Game Changer Special Teams Unit

Special teams in football often receive less attention than offense or defense, but its impact on the outcome of a game cannot be overstated. At Long Beach City College, I am fortunate to work with a Head Coach that values special teams and gives myself and my units ample time to not only install our gameplan, but schedule more than enough practice time to implement and hone our skills. At Long Beach City, we have dubbed our special teams units “The Game Changers,” this is because this is the very essence of a special teams play in football: one play can change the entire game. Our philosophy is centered around three facets that cannot be coached. That philosophy is named FEE, which stands for: Focus, Effort, and Energy.

Focus: Do your job, and understand the scheme. We take it one play at a time and don’t think about anything else.

Effort: Go full speed and be relentless! Go and compete with your brother next to you to do the best job possible!

Energy: Have fun! Being a Game Changer is something to be proud of and requires you to bring the juice!

While we take pride in each and every special teams unit, blocking punts at LBCC has become something of a badge of honor. Since taking over the special teams unit in 2022, the Game Changers have blocked 8 punts over the course of two seasons (6 of which came from the 2023 season), generating 5 touchdowns in the process. Among the various special teams plays, we emphasize blocking a punt due to its potential to swing momentum, change field position drastically, or even result in a turnover. Because of the importance of this particular special teams unit, we dedicate extra practice time to perfecting puntblocking techniques.

Gameplanning, Practice, and Implementation

Blocking a punt starts well before the ball is snapped. As the special teams coordinator at Long Beach City, Sundays before the game are spent meticulously studying film to identify weaknesses in the opposing punting team’s protection scheme, tendencies of the punter, operation times of the long snapper and punter and any potential for trick plays or fakes.

Film Study: Myself and another coach analyze game footage to look for the specific patterns in the punting team’s formation, snap cadence, average operation time, and protection schemes. This analysis helps us in devising strategies to exploit vulnerabilities and increase the chances of a successful block. Our game plan for the week’s opponent is ready to be presented at our Tuesday special team’s meeting.

Scouting Reports: During our Tuesday meeting, I go over a detailed scouting report to provide insight into the individual tendencies of the punter and blockers, helping the blocking team anticipate what may occur during the play and adjust their technique accordingly.

weaknesses in the opposing punting team’s protection scheme, tendencies of the punter, operation times of the long snapper and punter and any potential for trick plays or fakes.

Practice and Simulation: Our special teams practice periods involve simulations of punt-blocking scenarios, allowing players to refine their techniques, timing, and coordination. While in practice, we review everything from the meeting as well as work the drills that are crucial for developing the muscle memory and instinctual reactions needed during live game situations. While we may not actually practice blocking a live punt, we go game speed to get as close to simulation as possible.

● Film Study: Myself and another coach analyze game footage to look for the specific patterns in the punting team’s formation, snap cadence, average operation time, and protection schemes. This analysis helps us in devising strategies to exploit vulnerabilities and increase the chances of a successful block. Our game plan for the week’s opponent is ready to be presented at our Tuesday special team’s meeting.

ing of the punt-blocking scheme. This tends to be defensive backs or wide receivers who excel in getting off the line quickly. They must represent the “FEE Philosophy” of the Game Changer Unit.

● Scouting Reports: During our Tuesday meeting, I go over a detailed scouting report to provide insight into the individual tendencies of the punter and blockers, helping the blocking team anticipate what may occur during the play and adjust their technique accordingly.

An example of one of the drills we use to simulate a blocked punt is below. Here we have 2 players aligned on the hashes with a pop-up bag in front of them. On the movement of the ball, they work either their rip or swim move to get around the bag then aim for the coach who is simulating being the punter. While one player works the block and takes the ball off of the punter’s “foot," the other aims for behind the punter and simulates locating the ball after a block, then scoop and score.

● Practice and Simulation: Our special teams practice periods involve simulations of punt-blocking scenarios, allowing players to refine their techniques, timing, and coordination. While in practice, we review everything from the meeting as well as work the drills that are crucial for developing the muscle memory and instinctual reactions needed during live game situations. While we may not actually practice blocking a live punt, we go game speed to get as close to simulation as possible.

Alignment and Positioning: The players will line up along the line of scrimmage, according to the positioning of that particular week’s scheme. This is to maximize their chances of penetrating the punting team’s protection. Different players are assigned specific gaps or lanes to target based on the scouting report. They must know their role and remember their techniques for us to be successful.

Techniques for Blocking a Punt

Formation and Player Roles

On game day, while there are different schools of thought whether there should be a blocking team deployed (a specialized unit tasked with executing the punt block), certain players substituted in and out of the game, or if it should just be defense; we utilize a variation of the latter two. I myself prefer to utilize the defensive unit that is currently on the field, while substituting certain players for others that are more suited for the block, along with a returner. The players that I typically substitute in consist of players known for their speed off the line of scrimmage, agility to navigate through the chaos of the punt unit, and awareness to avoid penalties.

Player Selection: When selecting the players who will be a part of the punt blocking unit, I first base it on their explosiveness, agility, and understand-

For us to successfully block a punt, it requires a combination of techniques and strategies aimed at disrupting the punting operation time and reaching the punter or deflecting the kick. Our goal is to be a thermostat for the punter, we want to turn the heat up and put the pressure on. Possibly causing a rushed or fumbled opp that can aid us in the block. We utilize two different styles of rush and focus on one technique that we have found to make us successful:

Straight Rush: We utilize this style when we want to overwhelm the punt team and feel that we can cause a rushed opp. Here we aim to explode off the line of scrimmage at the snap, reaching the punter with a direct, vertical approach. This technique relies on speed, timing, and the ability to elevate to reach the trajectory of the ball. In the example, we are setting up a block coming from the right, with our opposite side rush aiming for behind the punter to give us the best opportunity to scoop and score, as well as avoid collision.

(Ex. Straight Rush, Block Right)

(Ex. Of Punt Blocking Drill ) (Ex. Of Punt Blocking Drill)

(Ex. Straight Rush, Block Right)

Gap Shooting Rush: We employ a gap-shooting rush when we feel that our speed can be utilized against a personal protector or shield, while still setting up a solid return. We do this by targeting specific lanes or gaps in the protection scheme. This approach requires precise timing and coordination to split blockers and create a path to the punter, all while setting up our return against those on the punt team who have been avoided. In this example, we are setting up a block coming from the left, with the rush on the opposite side aiming for behind the punter to give us the best opportunity to scoop and score, and avoid collision. The non-rushing players are big on big, setting up a middle return, if the ball is indeed kicked.

knowing the average operation time from the snap, to the punter's hands, to when the ball leaves the punter’s foot. This knowledge is crucial to the timing of the block.

● Gap Shooting Rush: We employ a gap-shooting rush when we feel that our speed can be utilized against a personal protector or shield, while still setting up a solid return. We do this by targeting specific lanes or gaps in the protection scheme. This approach requires precise timing and coordination to split blockers and create a path to the punter, all while setting up our return against those on the punt team who have been avoided. In this example, we are setting up a block coming from the left, with the rush on the opposite side aiming for behind the punter to give us the best opportunity to scoop and score, and avoid collision. The non-rushing players are big on big, setting up a middle return, if the ball is indeed kicked.

(Ex. Gap Shooting Rush, Block Left)

Swim, Rip and Hand Placement Technique: One technique that we have found to work for us is the swim or rip technique to evade blockers and disrupt the punting operation. Because we tend to utilize receivers to block the punt, they are equipped at creating separation, then stemming to get past the blocker. Hand placement is crucial, as blockers aim to deflect the ball’s trajectory without making contact with the punter, which could result in a penalty. To do this we have our punt blockers hold their hands at a forty-five degree angle out from their body as they run through.

Timing and Execution

The timing of the punt block is critical. Blockers must coordinate their movements with the snap count, ensuring they reach the punter at the optimal moment to disrupt the kick. We as a unit practice these timing sequences repeatedly to refine their coordination and minimize the risk of penalties. This comes with the preparation of

Avoiding Penalties: Discipline is essential, penalties such as offsides or roughing the kicker can absolutely devastate momentum and give the opposing team new life. The game within a game comes while maintaining aggressive pressure on the punt team all while being disciplined and avoiding costly penalties. Understanding the rules and maintaining composure amid the chaos of the rush is crucial for a successful block.

The Moment of Impact and Follow-through

When executed perfectly, a blocked punt is a beautiful thing. While chaotic, the aftermath is just as important as the block itself. The impact of the block redirects the ball’s trajectory, resulting in a shorter punt or, ideally, a total block with possession returned to the blocking team. Blockers must maintain control and awareness after the block, as the chaotic aftermath can create opportunities for either better field position or a touchdown. To accomplish possession, we designate a “scooper” who is responsible for the location of the ball. This player is told to go behind the punter to avoid collision with the blocker and to potentially scoop and score.

Follow-through: After the block,to accomplish possession, we designate a “scooper” who is responsible for the location of the ball. This player is told to go behind the punter to avoid collision with the blocker and to potentially scoop and score. The blocker transitions quickly to cover the loose ball or prevent the punting team from recovering possession. This phase of the play requires awareness and a sense of urgency to capitalize on the momentum swing generated by the block. Communication among the unit is key to the location as well, the more eyes looking for the ball amidst the chaos, the better!

Psychological Impact and Momentum Shifts

Beyond its game changing implications, a blocked punt can have a profound psychological impact on both teams. For the punting team, a blocked kick can deflate morale and erode confidence, potentially influencing subsequent play-calling and decision-making. Even potentially creating more pressure on the punter during their next attempt. Conversely, the blocking team gains a wave of momentum and energy, fueling enthusiasm on the sideline and among fans. Blocking a punt gives a team hope when they are down, and confidence to keep fighting. It gives

them swagger when they are up to not let up and dominate their opponent.

Enjoying the Preparation

Behind every successful punt block lies hours of rigorous gameplanning, implementation, and practice. I tell my units that we don’t block punts on gameday, we block them during the week. I stress the importance of not only putting the time in to understand our opponents scheme, but also enjoying the preparation and taking pride in it. My players see the energy and love that I have for coaching them in all aspects of special teams, as well as the emphasis I put on creating game changing moments in the limited amount of plays that we can have. It is my firm belief that if you enjoy what you coach, and model the excitement you have for whatever your role is, your player’s attitudes will follow and so will success.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, blocking a punt in football is a complex and high-stakes play that requires preparation, execution, and split-second decision-making. But moreover on that, it requires a high level of desire from the punt block team.

That's why I love coaching special teams, it takes a unique blend of preparation and effort to win your limited amount of plays, punt block being the prime example. From the initial scouting and game planning to the explosive rush off the line of scrimmage and the moment of impact, every aspect of the punt-blocking process is ultimately what makes our great game of football so incredible. That any player can make a game changing play and swing momentum to their team.

At the end of the day, if you want to be a Game Changer, you have to pay your F.E.E!

some people just know Saturdays are reserved for college football

GOOD WORKS TEAM

Those are the people who know they could save hundreds on car insurance by checking Allstate first.