Coach ,

Many of the top offensive minds fly under the radar because their teams don’t play on prime-time networks.  That doesn’t mean that they know less than the teams that grab the spotlight.

That’s certainly true with Ian Shoemaker, offensive coordinator of the Eastern Washington Eagles. The Eagles probably jump into your mind more with their red turf field known as “The Inferno.”

Well, there’s something else at Eastern Washington that’s on fire beside their turf. The Eagles’ offense is at the top of the FCS in many offensive categories:

#1 Total Offense 626.0 yards per game

#1 Scoring Offense 54.0 points per game

#1 Passing Offense 455.1 yards per game

#2 3rd Down Conversion= .534

#3 Pass per completion 15.54 yards per completion

#4 Completion Rate 69%

Statistically, in the categories of Total Offense and Passing Offense, the Eagles lead all of NCAA football. 

I’ve had the opportunity to clinic with Ian Shoemaker in person and virtually, and he has a ton of knowledge to absorb.

He sets his quarterbacks up for success with his EOS (Eagle Operating System). He explains how his manual for Quarterbacks works here (click image for video):

Part of the EOS is the Positive Response System to Pressure. Pressure is part of the quarterback’s life.  Coach Shoemaker gives them a list of six positive things they can do to avoid making a big mistake when he is faced with pressure. Coach explains those six components here (click image for video):

The first is his Rip-Up movement which allows the QB to step up through pressure and keep the play going for a positive gain.  Coach Shoemaker explains the specifics of the Rip-Up drill here (click image for video):

From the foundation of great quarterback fundamentals, Coach Shoemaker can get into his work of creating stress for the defense. He does it with multiple tempos, RPO’s and formations. He explains how he has put his offense together in this video (click image for video):

When it comes to stressors, the Eagles utilize a menu of alignments and motions. He breaks the template down into the following:

• Tight End alignment
• Alignment from Pistol
• Shifts
• Empty
• Formation into Boundary
• Stacks and Bunches
• Compressions
• Unbalanced

With all of those tools, Coach Shoemaker looks to layer those to affect the defense and create stress. He explains how he does that here (click image for video):

I talk with Noel Mazzone weekly on my podcast, and he constantly gives the advice of “change the presentation, not the play.”  Coach Shoemaker is doing exactly that to help the Eagles soar to the top of the FCS.

As you roll into the postseason, these are simple but effective ways to give the defense something different to defend.

Always be growing!

Coach Grabowski

PS Both of these courses are bundled for you to save now. Find the Bundle HERE.