Stemming And Stunting

O

ur topic, Stemming and Stunting, can best be approached by answering the question, why? Stemming is used in our system as a way we can change gap control on the backside of our defenses. In doing so, we can adjust to an extra gap or blocker that the offense is trying to use to gain an advantage. Our goal is to out number the offense so we can control the running game. Stemming will also force the offense into going on first sound and they will not be able to use their audible system. * If the offense goes on first sound, trying to catch the defense stemming, we will fire to our work which will add a slant or angle look to our defense. At times, slanting and angling will get some unexpected penetration for our lineman. Stemming will, at times, confuse the offensive linemen in their blocking assignments and make them hesitate a little. We don’t want them to screw their cleats into the ground and come off the bal (see Diagrams 1, 2 & 3). Stunts in our base fronts, are an exchange of gap control between linemen or linebackers (see Diagrams 4 & 5).

Diagram 3: Wing Adjustments

Stemming & Stunting

Over 4/Zorro

Carl Reese

Over 4/Zorro

Defensive Coordinator University of Texas Diagram 4 Stunts:

Austin, Texas

All positions 3 Way Go. Defend man Defend gap to either side of man. Why Stunt? Change gap control. Run/Pass 2 man/3 man

Under G Tex Sam 1

Hardee McCrary Defensive Ends

Diagram 1 Stemming Why Stem? • Change gap control on back side of defense. • Force offense into first sound. No audible system Fire to gap control (Slanting) • Confuse Offensive Line

Diagram 2: Stem Theory

Diagram 5 Under Ed Sam 1

Mike Tolleson Defensive Line

Under Stunt

4/Zorro

Over 4/Zorro

Over 4/Zorro

Hardee McCrary, Defensive Ends & Mike Tolleson, Defensive Line Defensive Line Play The defensive scheme that we will employ is one that we feel permits us to keep responsibilities and alignments on simple levels, but still give us range and flexibility to face any problems an offense may confront us with from a defensive standpoint.

• Proceedings • 79th AFCA Convention • 2002 •

Duane Akina Defensive Backs

10 Commandments of Defensive Line Play 1. Stance Pre snap football I.Q.

2. Alingment 3.Assignment 4. Get Off 5. Target

Technique

6. Cloth 7. Separate

Each player must play within our defensive framework if we are to be successful. our defensive linemen must be the best technicians on the field. Essentials in Defensive Line Play: 1. Stance 2. Alignment 3. Keys 4. Ball Get/Off 5. Pursuit/Containment 6. Pass Rush Type of Personnel We feel that our defensive linemen must be mentally and physically tough and aggressive people by nature and personal ity. Overpowering physical size is not an allimportant consideration, but quickness and ability to adapt to the mechanical stresses of the position are essential. Our defensive linemen must have good to excellent short range of explosion with shoulders and hands. They must be able to get and maintain shoulder pad level and integrity versus the offensive blocker and, as a result, control his charge. Upper body and leg strength are paramount considerations. Our defensive linemen must be flexible with active feet. Attention to detail and refinement of technique are constant causes for concern for defensive lineman people and they must be extra effort people.

8. Escape 9. Pursuit Effort 10. Tackle

Diagram 6: Bring It “Liz

Diagram 7: Under

Diagram 8: Over

All of our defensive lineman alignments, responsibilities and techniques will remain simple to allow our defensive linemen to play in a highly emotional fashion. Thought process should be very limited in our defensive scheme. Every defensive lineman and player in our scheme must be polished in the techniques taught to execute the proper responsibilities and assignments described to him in order for each defensive call to excel.

Defensive Lineman The following are some very important principles and characteristics a person should posses to play on the defensive line at Texas: 1. Have a burning desire to be successful to be part of a great Texas defense. 2. Play with great effort and desire. 3. Play with a high degree of consistency and intensity. 4. Be a master of individual techniques. 5. Strive to improve daily. (Never make the same mistake twice.) 6. Play with discipline. (Huddle, Alignment, Responsibility, Execution.) 7. Keep your feet active. 8. Play with poise. 9. Be in great condition, both mentally and physically. 10. Be a sure tackler. Change Ups for Defensive Line 1. Alignments 2. Stems 3. Slants

Alignment (Three-Tech) Base -Inside foot of the DT should split the crotch of the Guard

Diagram 9

Light -Inside foot of the DTon the outside foot of the Guard

Diagram 10

Defensive Line Stance We employ an elongated three-point stance. We use this stance to allow maximum ball get-off and explosion. Allow for individual differences. We want our defensive linemen to be explosive yet comfortable. Elongated Stagger-Run Stance-prefer toe to in-step, no deeper than toe to heel.

Diagram 11: Defensive Boxes

BGO Alignment Assignment Adjustment Pass Rush Lane Integrity Blitz Review

Proper Mechanics of Stance 1. Feet Shoulder Width Apart 2. Weight on Inside Balls of Feet 3. Knees in-heels out 4. Hips flexed-butt extended 5. Shoulders Square-Back Flat 6. All Fingertips Contacting Ground

• Proceedings • 79th AFCA Convention • 2002 •

7. Eyes Slightly Behind Hand 8. Head Up Slightly-Look Through Top Bar of Mask 9. Weight Slightly Forward 10. Off Hand in Ready Position for Quick Strike Loose -B-Gap Alignment

Diagram 12

Stem Technique 1. Stance and Alignment • Three-point stance •One-technique to the strength call, and a three-technique away from the call. • Tighten alignment toward line of scrimmage * Hard Stunt -End lines up in a six-technique and steps to a five. 2. Movement and Blow • Key ball and helmet of guard and attack it.

Diagram 15

Slide -Inside shade on tackle

Diagram 13

Tilt Technique 1. Stance and Alignment • Three-point stance, with your inside leg back. Down hand should be on near foot of center. • Align to the outside tip of the pad of the center in a 45-degree angle.

Diagram 14

2. Movement and Blow • Key ball and the center step with inside foot. • Attack the “V” of the neck on the center with hat and hands. • Keep your feet moving. 3. Responsibilities • Keep tilt-side arm and leg free. • Flow to your (tilt side), Protect the A Gap first, Squeeze backside AGap on Flow Away (Pump the Seam). Keep the center off the backside linebacker. • Rush passer in proper rush lane.

• Read on the move. • Deliver the blow with your hat and hands. 3. Responsibilities • Protect your gap. • Keep proper arm and leg free. • Rush passer in proper rush lanes. 4. Coaching Points • Time out your stem. Get a feel for the quarterback’s cadence. • If you stem too soon, or the quarterback starts to make a check-off at the LOS, stem back to original alignment and start your work again. • First sound, or if the ball is snapped prior to your steam, then use Fire Technique in order to get to your stem. • Fire Technique is your Fail Safe in this technique. Slant Technique (Hammer) 1. Stance and Alignment • Tackles align in a three-point stance about 12 inches away from your man. • Align in a crotch split alignment ready alignment ready to move right or left. 2. Movement and Blow • Key ball and linemen you are stepping to. • Take a flat step toward your visual key with your lead foot. • At the same time, take your backside arm back and rip it in the direction you are moving. • Stay on the move and cross face of all down blocks. You must keep working to the next defender so as not to open seams in front. 3. Responsibilities • When hammering as a one-technique,

beat the Guard’s block and stay on the move if the tackle blocks down. • When hammering as a three-technique, beat the Guard’s block and stay on the move if the center blocks back on you. • Rush passer in the proper lane. 4/Zorro Coverage

Duane Akina, Defensive Backs One of our lead coverages is 4/Zorro. It is a dual coverage call that insures we can play an eight-man front with a Free Safety. The basics of the coverage puts our Sam Backer on the Tight End and one of the Safeties on the back of choice vs. a two-back formation and cover-down vs. a one-back formation. The other Safety plays free. The two Corners will match up with the wide outs and our Mike and Will Backers will work the other back. You have the ability to play 4/Zorro in different fronts. Here are some examples of 4/Zorro vs. different formations. This has been a great coverage for us over the years at the University of Texas. I hope these concepts have stimulated some thoughts for you and your staff.

Diagram 16 Pro (4 Call)

Diagram 17 Twins (4 Call)

Diagram 18 Pro (Offset Back)

• Proceedings • 79th AFCA Convention • 2002 •

Diagram 19 Twins (Offset Back)

Diagram 20 Doubles

Diagram 21 Twins (Offset Back)

AFCA Guidelines Regarding Probation (Note: These guidelines have been prepared III. The coach who leaves an institution in in conjunction with Article Nine of the AFCA good standing and moves to another instituCode of Ethics. It is meant to clarify the actions tion which has “major” probation problems that are taken by the AFCA when a member’s not brought about by the new head coach: institution is on NCAA or NAIA probation). The first two restrictions listed in Section I will apply to the head coach, since any sucI. The coach that creates a “major” proba- cess his present team enjoys will be due in tion problem at his present institution: part because of advantages gained by breakThe coach must abide by the following ruling ing NCAA regulations before his arrival. until the major probation is lifted: The head coach can take part in the fol1. His institution is not eligible to be voted on in l o w i n g : the USA Today/ESPN weekly football poll. 1. The coach is eligible to serve on the panel 2. The coach is not eligible for AFCA Coach of that does the voting on the USA Today/ESPN the Year honors, and his name will not appear on weekly football poll. such ballots. 2. The coach can serve on AFCA committees, 3. The coach is not eligible to serve on the speak at the AFCA national convention and conpanel that does the voting for the USA tribute to AFCA publications. Today/ESPN weekly football poll. 3. The coach can take part in all-star games. 4. The coach cannot serve on any AFCA committee, speak at the AFCA national convention or IV. AFCA probation is not affected by contribute to any AFCA publication. delayed probation. 5. The coach cannot take part in any all-star If an institution cannot take part in televised games. games, but gets its television penalties delayed a year because of a previous television commitII. The coach that creates a “major” proba- ment, there will not be a delay from the AFCA. It tion problem at his present institution and is our feeling that a coach would be punished moves to another institution which is clear of instead. Therefore, the AFCA will have the televithat status: sion penalty go along with the probation period. The restrictions listed in Section I will follow the coach to his new institution, with one exception. His Failure to adhere to these standards shall new institution is eligible to be voted on in the USA be grounds for probation, suspension or Today/ESPN weekly football poll. expulsion from this organization.

• Proceedings • 79th AFCA Convention • 2002 •