Mastering Offensive Line Techniques with Coach Alex Mirabal
Jul 23, 2024 12:55 pm
Coach -
As we continue on with our top 25 countdown, today we take a look at the offensive line play at “The U” under the guidance of Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Line Coach Alex Mirabal.
Returning to his Miami roots, Alex Mirabal has quickly made his mark as the assistant head coach and offensive line coach for the Miami Hurricanes.
With a legacy of developing top-tier talent and a reputation as one of the best offensive line coaches in the nation, Mirabal brings a wealth of experience and success to the Hurricanes.
His tenure at Oregon saw the Ducks consistently dominate at the line of scrimmage, producing Outland Trophy winners, All-Americans, and NFL draft picks.
Now, Mirabal continues to instill his elite coaching techniques and rigorous standards in Miami, aiming to uphold and enhance the proud tradition of Hurricanes football.
In this article, we delve into the techniques and philosophies that define Mirabal's approach to coaching the offensive line, exploring how his methods translate to success on the field.
Season Preview Capsule
Miami football hasn't lived up to expectations since joining the ACC in 2004. They haven't replicated their past dominance, with only one 10-win season and one ACC title appearance (both in 2017). Coaches like Richt and Diaz haven't been able to recapture the glory days.
However, there's hope for the future. This year's team has more talent, a strong offensive line, a potentially elite quarterback (transfer Cam Ward), and a defense bolstered by transfers. While the glory days might not fully return, Miami has a chance to become relevant again by minimizing turnovers, which have plagued them recently.
Miami Hurricanes Strength by Unit:
Offense:
- Offensive Line: Experienced and effective unit returning key players.
- Running Backs: Upgraded with transfer Damien Martinez, a high-volume rusher.
- Quarterback: Added Cam Ward, a transfer considered one of the best in the portal, offering mobility and decision-making.
- Wide Receivers: Returning leading receiver Xavier Restrepo and explosive newcomer Samuel Brown.
Defense:
- Linebackers: Anchored by tackling machine Francisco Mauigoa.
- Secondary: Bolstered by transfers Jaden Harris, Isaiah Taylor, and Mishael Powell to address depth concerns.
- Defensive Line: Retooling with transfers like Tyler Baron and Simeon Barrow to replace key departures. Overall, the pass rush should remain strong.
- Run Defense: Already a strong unit, aiming for further improvement.
Clinic: Wide Zone Fundamentals w/ Use of Gallop Technique
The Double Under
Using the double under block requires understanding both its purpose and intent. The double under technique has numerous applications, but it’s essential to recognize how it shapes the blocking scheme compared to other techniques, which can make blocks and plays appear very different upon analysis.
Video: Double Under
Intent of the Play
Coach Mirabal offers extensive instruction on handling blocks with the double under technique and managing double team situations. Just as with the double under, the intent of the play must be clear with the double team. Players need to understand the run's flow, potential dangers, and how these factors influence the double team. Communication becomes crucial, and Coach Mirabal emphasizes this effectively in his video.
Video: The Intent of Plays Impacts the Double Team
Split Flow Zone
The incorporation of the H/TE into offenses has become incredibly popular and exciting. This position allows for significant gap manipulation through pre-snap and post-snap movement, as well as complementary plays. It is a must-have scheme for any offense due to the false reads and strategic brilliance it creates, making it a challenge for defenses.
Video: Split Flow Inside Zone
From techniques and communication to schematics, Coach Mirabal provides a wealth of information in this clinic. It is evident that the Hurricanes are in capable hands, and with a talented roster, they have the potential to return to consistent winning in Coral Gables.
Coach Grabowski & the CoachesClinic Team
P.S. Check out these resources for the season