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The Coastal Carolina counter play is a traditional counter trey with adjustments made to block certain looks. It’s a flexible scheme, and as offensive line coach Bill Durkin says, “It’s a whole offense within itself.”

The Chants are able to get a lot of mileage out of this play which is the backbone of their #6 total offense and #10 rushing offense rankings.

For the Chanticleers it is a play that can:

• Mess with the fits of the defense because of misdirection
• Takes advantage of angles
• Is good into blitzes
• Can be a direct handoff, read, or RPO
• Utilizes multiple backfield actions for window dressing

The more a play can create multiplicity the more value it has within a system. Coach Durkin explains what the play is to them here(click image for video):

For a scheme to be good against modern defenses, it better be sound against the odd front. Coach Durkin begins his teaching of the play against odd. With uncovered guard, he will make a “cargo” call which gives him the assignment of blocking down, and the center will come around. Both the C & BST will skip pull for second-level defenders. He explains here: (click image for video):

In the example, Coach Durkin points out the footwork of the running back and the quarterback. This allows them to hand-off, read, or run an RPO. Here are some examples of the Counter vs. the Odd Front (click image for video):

Coach Durkin points out that the variations were so numerous that he couldn’t cover them all in one clinic. The way that they run it is a little unique, but that’s what has made it so valuable for them.

Coastal Carolina had what people called a Cinderella season in 2020 finishing ranked #14 (ranked as high as #12) which was a Sunbelt Conference record. There is something special going on there behind the leadership for head coach Jamey Chadwell and the culture that they have built.  

One unique element of their culture is what Coach Chadwell calls “CPR time.” It builds the family atmosphere in the program and allows every coach to schedule time to specifically spend time on building relationships with players. Coach Chadwell explains CPR here:

The Chanticleers’ strong offense and solid defense are built on that strong foundation that the culture provides. Don’t be surprised to see them continue to climb here in 2021.

Always be growing!

Coach Grabowski