Combining The Iso With The Draw

Edinboro’s Draw/Iso: Combining the Iso With the Lead Draw

Scott Browning Assistant Football Coach Edinboro University Edinboro, Pa.

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t is a privilege to have the opportunity to write an article for the A F C A Summer Manual. Over the past 16 years, I have been fortunate to coach football at Edinboro University. I have had the opportunity to coach many fine athletes as well as work with a number of outstanding coaches. We have enjoyed our share of success at Edinboro, winning two conference titles and competing in the NCAA Division II playoffs five times. This has all been possible due to the many fine people who are involved in Edinboro University and the Edinboro football program. In 2001 we ran a play, new to our system, which we refer to as Draw/Iso. We are traditionally a two-back offense. Our base plays include the Iso, power and lead draw. Our pass game features play action with a strong diet of turn back protection off the Iso/Power series. We incorporated the Draw/Iso because we felt our opponents were getting a quick run/pass read. Not only has the Draw/Iso become an effective play, it has also increased the productivity of our Iso and improved our play action pass protection. Following are a number of benefits we feel we gain by running the Draw/Iso. This play: 1. Features our personnel — both upfront and in the backfield. 2. Builds off our base offense — Iso, Lead Draw, Turn Back Protection. 3. Creates hesitation with the defense by slowing the pass rush and delaying pass reads. 4. Is effective against line stunts and certain blitzes. 5. Is a safe answer in pass situations. 6. Is a good change-up on early downs. 7. Has a blocking scheme that is identical to lead draw. Let’s talk about the play. Our offensive line will take normal splits. On the snap of the ball they show pass and then block lead draw rules. (Due to limited space we will not discuss the techniques, but will shortly talk about blocking rules). Our quarterback, fullback and tailback will execute normal Iso action. We feel with the offensive line showing pass, the defense will react accordingly. The defensive line will begin a pass rush charge while the linebackers will begin to drop in their pass zones. With all this taking place our quarterback, fullback and tailback are executing a full flow Iso action. The action of our backfield creates a quick

• AFCA Summer Manual — 2002 •

hitting play into a defense that has been given pass reads. Consequently we have an aggressive, physical run play run into a defense that is thinking pass. This all happens quickly. Now let’s discuss our blocking rules for both a two-man and three-man surface. Three-Man Side Draw/Iso Y: If covered with no T-bubble – “base” block man on. If covered with T-Bubble — “arc” to block strong safety. FST: Draw influence man on or end versus T-Bubble. FSG: If there is an A gap defender — combo with center to backside inside linebacker. If no Agap defender – draw influence. C: If there is a frontside A gap defender, or a man head up, combo block with frontside guard. With a backside A gap defender, combo with backside to backside inside linebacker guard. Versus a Bear front, draw influence. BSG: If there is an A gap defender, combo with center to backside inside linebacker. If no A gap defender “fan.” BST: Draw influence. Be alert for “fan” call from backside guard versus an okie front. QB: Reverse out at six o’clock and drive to deep exchange point. Set to pass. FB: Lead step and aim at outside leg of frontside guard. Key him to block the frontside linebacker. TB: Slide and aim at outside leg of frontside guard. X: Block most dangerous corner to safety. Z: Block most dangerous corner to safety.

Diagram 1

Diagram 2

BST: Draw influence. Be alert for “fan” call from backside guard. Versus an Okie front. QB: Reverse out at six o’clock and drive to keep exchange point. Set to pass. FB: Lead step and aim at outside leg of frontside guard. Key him to block the frontside linebacker. TB: Slide step and aim at outside leg of frontside guard. X: Block most dangerous corner to safety. Z: Block most dangerous corner to safety.

Diagram 3

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Diagram 5

Two-Man Slide Draw/Iso Y: Cut-off backside. FST: Draw influence man on. FSG: If there is a frontside A gap defender, combo with the center to backside inside linebacker. If no A gap defender, draw influence man on. C: If there is a frontside A gap defender or man head up, combo block with frontside guard to backside inside linebacker. If there is a backside A gap defender, combo with backside guard. Versus a Bear front, draw influence. BSG: If there is an A gap defender, combo with the center to backside inside linebacker. If no A gap defender, draw influence, possible fan.

Diagram 6

As you can see this is not a fancy play. We believe the success of the Draw/Iso stems from the contradicting reads given by the offensive line and the quick hitting action of the backfield. It is also our belief

that this play compliments our base offensive plays, the Iso, power, lead draw and play action pass game. With all this said, our personnel plays a significant role in the productivity of the play. I hope the thoughts we have shared benefit both you and your football program. It has been a privilege for me to write this article for the AFCA and represent Edinboro University, our players, Lou Tepper, our head football coach, and the offensive staff of Scott Weaver and Ron Rudler. We encourage you to come visit us at Edinboro and share your thoughts and ideas. Thank you for this opportunity and best of luck throughout the 2002 football season.

Speak Up For Football Coaches have many opportunities through media interviews, coaches’ radio and television shows, speeches, etc., to put in a good word about the sport and the profession. Always look to improve football’s image by saying something positive about the game. It will help all of those involved — players, coaches, officials, administrators and fans alike.

Support High School Football High school football is an integral part of America’s athletic heritage. Be sure to encourage community involvement at every opportunity — including coaches’ television shows — to ensure the success of high school football in your state. • AFCA Summer Manual — 2002 •