How a 7-time State Champ Teaches Stick
Dec 31, 2025 6:43 pm
Coach ,
Arizona State takes on Duke today in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl.
On the ASU sideline is Jason Mohns. Before coaching tight ends for the Sun Devils, Mohns built a powerhouse at Saguaro High School in Arizona. He went 123-19 and won seven state titles.
He didn't win that much by accident. He won because of how much detail went into everything they did. He's a great teacher of the game who leaves no stone unturned, and a great example of that is in his teaching of the "simple" Stick concept.
The Y: 6-Yard Hitch
Coach Mohns teaches their Y to run a six-yard hitch. He is not looking for open grass; he is looking for the inside hip of the curl-flat defender.
- The Goal: Sit on the defender's hip to effectively "cover yourself" initially.
- The Adjustment: If that defender (often the Nickel or Sam) buzzes to the flat, the Y must slide away toward the middle.
- Why? This creates distance from the Mike linebacker, who is the only one left to defend the route.
The Back: The Swing Route
The running back handles the flat. While an arrow route is an option, the swing is preferred because it gives the athlete space to make a move.
His timing is based on where the ball is:
- To the Boundary: 3 steps.
- Middle of the Field: 4 steps.
- To the Field: 5 steps.
Coach Mohns stresses that he must stay on the move. His eyes come around on the final step, but his body shouldn't slow down. He should not turn upfield until he reaches the numbers.
The #1 Receiver: Mandatory Outside Release (MOR)
The outside receiver's job is non-negotiable. He must take an outside release on the corner.
- The Reason: If he releases inside, the corner will funnel him and then "eat up" the flat route.
- The Standard: Even if the corner is aligned far outside, the receiver must still work outside of him to protect the throwing lane for the back.
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P.S. Other Clinics from the Arizona State Staff:
Coach Mohns Clinic - Must Have Quick Game
Installing Cover 3 - Brian Ward
OL 5 Man Protection Drills and Technique - Saga Tuitele
Inside Zone OL Fundamentals and Technique - Saga Tuitele
Defensive Tackling Fundamentals - AJ Cooper
Developing the Edges - Edge Defender Fundamentals - AJ Cooper