It’s as simple as A-B-C. Learning how #25 Ole Miss Attacks with RPO
Jun 06, 2023 3:22 pm
Coach
Over the next several weeks we will be sharing a series of emails featuring clinic talks from the Preseason Top 25.
I am fortunate to have two young college coaches helping me this summer. Our first coach sharing ideas today is Trent Kaufmann.
Trent is a former Division 3 football player whose career ended early due to injury. He is spent a year as the Offensive Line student assistant, and is now the Defensive Backs GA
Today, Trent kicks off our Top 25 countdown featuring Ole Miss 3 Level RPO Attack.
Coach Grabowski
Season Preview Capsule
The Rebels look to continue climbing as we approach the 2023 season. A team that is on the brink of most of the various poll’s, they look to defy the naysayers and continue climbing the SEC ladder specifically.
Co-OC’s John David Baker and Charlie Weis Jr. look to bring the offense back to some balance from the 2022 season that saw them have the 3rd ranked rushing offense but just the 59th best passing offense.
Offensive Coordinator Charlie Weis, Jr spoke on the Rebel RPO Game sharing how they attack multiple levels with the RPO to put defenders in conflict and create the explosive plays they are known for. He gives an overview of the Rebel RPO attack in this video.
Video: A-B-C Level RPO Intro
Level A RPO
Level A RPO’s can be some of the most effective for short and long gains. You maintain a high completion percentage while also being able to get as complex or basic as you choose. The huge takeaway from this is capitalizing on pre-snap ability to create confusion.
Weis uses a Jet motion mixed with the backside Y coming across on the snap to run a flat route. Utilizing these motions to obstruct the path of the man defender or create a situation where it is hard to sort who your final #2 receivers are.
Video: Y-Flat vs Single High Zone
Level B RPO
In the Level B RPO we recognize the top concepts for Ole Miss being the Hitch and Slant. When doing this Weis teaches the QB that the read maintains with the backer closest to the slants.
They pair this double slant concept with an WZ/OZ to clear up the read early. The pre snap looks dictates the read, a Bear front gives us one backer, other 6 man looks allow the BS backer read and a 5 man box reads the overhang.
Level C RPO
Your C level throws in this system become the glance looks. They progress the look to now a Safety 2nd level read. If the safety is playing hard on the run it's simply a route the receiver needs to win and a relatively easy throw. Make sure the QB is not rushing this; it's a mesh-gather-throw tempo. The Mesh becomes very crucial to these concepts as you need to sell the run and not just drop back. Here is an example of the Glance in this video:
Clearing it Up
Coach Weis progresses through the three levels of his RPO system with clear and concise instruction. When I look at takeaways from this I recognize that he specifically details a QB/RB relationship, timing and reads. These all are dependent on the QB’s ability to understand and execute the specified actions and leaves the pressure majorly in his own hands.
Train your QB to understand the significance he has on these plays with his controllable actions and less on his decision itself. The ability for him to get comfortable and simply allow the read to decide whether it is a run or a pass can allow the 3 level RPO system to become a staple in the success of your team, and allow you to capture some of the offensive success that Lane Kiffin and his staff have seen.
Strive to Succeed!
Coach Kauffman
Other Clinics from Ole Miss Staff:
Game Planning Alternative Formations - Pete Golding, DC/LB
ILB Blitz/Pass Rush Tech - Maurice Crum, Co-DC/LB
Kickoff: Disrupting Rhythm - Jake Schoonover, STC
#2 Kickoff Team in the Country - Jake Schoonover, STC
QB Play and Drills - Sterlin Gilbert, Analyst
Ole Miss Offense Analysis:
101 Plays from the Ole Miss Offense: 2021 Season - Alex Kirby
Ole Miss Run Game Break Down - Grady Allen
The Rebel Offense: A Look into the Ole Miss Offense