How Michigan Utilizes 2 Back Concepts to Pound the Rock
Aug 19, 2024 2:48 pm
Coach -
We are into the top 10 of our countdown and highlighting some of the best coaches in the game and the schemes and strategies they use.
Today we take a look at Michigan and Sherrone Moore. First let’s look at the season preview…
Season Preview Capsule
The glory days of Michigan football seem like a distant memory for some. The dominance of Bo Schembechler, Gary Moeller, and Lloyd Carr feels like ancient history. But fear not, Maize and Blue faithful! Jim Harbaugh has reawakened the giant, leading Michigan to three stellar seasons.
Now, under new leadership with Sherrone Moore, the question becomes: can Michigan maintain this success? The answer? Probably. Sure, some key players are gone, but the foundation is strong. The offensive line, Moore's specialty, remains a force. The running game will keep churning, and the defense, spearheaded by a ferocious pass rush, will be a nightmare for opposing offenses.
There will be adjustments, of course. A new quarterback will need to step up, but the talent is there. The receiving corps is loaded, and the secondary, while losing a big piece, will reload with transfers. This is Michigan football, after all. Winning is the expectation, and with a talented roster and a new era dawning, 10-2 and a College Football Playoff berth seem like distinct possibilities.
Michigan Strengths:
Offense:
- Offensive Line: Coach Sherrone Moore's specialty, the offensive line should remain a dominant force.
- Running Backs: With Donovan Edwards taking over for Blake Corum, the running game should be effective.
- Tight End: Colston Loveland is a top talent at the position.
- Wide Receivers: Though young, the receiving corps has a lot of talent.
Defense:
- Defensive Line: Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, and Rayshaun Benny anchor a strong unit.
- Outside Linebackers: Josiah Stewart and Derrick Moore are poised for a breakout year.
- Secondary: Will Johnson is a potential All-American at cornerback, and the unit will reload with transfers.
Clinic: Coaching Transition and Two Back Run Game
There's something about this style of football that really fires us up. We love seeing the two-back formation on the field—especially when a team runs it well. The downhill running game and aggression it brings are unmatched. The gap adjustments and its influence on defensive flow make it a challenging burden.
Video: Background
Sherrone Moore gets these schemes, understands when they should be applied, but more than anything he understands the personality of his team and what Michigan needs to be in order to be successful.
He is a huge reason Michigan progressed as fast as it did in such a short time. He will also be a reason they maintain competitiveness. Rising from position coach up in a short amount of time within this program he understood and was fresh with all the ins and outs.
Video: Being an Offensive Line Coach
Coaches, especially young ones, often aim to climb the ladder, but understanding how to prepare and manage that change is key. Coach Moore explores this topic, breaking it down into key parts, sharing what he learned, and how he managed his transitions. This clinic offers valuable insights both personally and for your schemes, serving as a knowledge base for your career.
Video: Why Invest in a Two-Back Run Game?
Ultimately everyone does want to gather some knowledge to use within the game. The first step is understanding the purpose behind these packages. Why implement something without knowing the reason? Once you establish the "why," you can develop a package's personality—whether it's for regular situations or strictly short yardage. Coach Moore thoroughly covers these aspects, detailing the purpose and value of the package.
When combined with QB runs, gap schemes, and other strategies shared by the Michigan staff, you start to develop a highly effective package.
-Coach Grabowski, Coach Kauffman and the CoachesClinic Team
Other Clinics from the Michigan Staff:
Gap schemes- Teaching Progression and Attacking Defenses - Sherrone Moore
QB Development & Coverage Identification - Kirk Campbell
Winning 4th Down: Punt vs. Punt Return - Garrett Clawson
Resources for the 2024 season:
2024 Prep for Camp - WR Edition
2024 Prep for Camp - RB Edition
2024 Prep for Camp - OL Edition Bundle