Fit the Scheme to Personnel - Alex Atkin's Formula
Aug 07, 2024 2:41 pm
Coach -
Sherrone Moore took the path from OL Coach/OC to Head Coach and Florida State's Alex Atkins seems to be on that exact trajectory.
Coach Atkins enters his second season as Florida State’s offensive coordinator and fourth on staff in 2023. Previously, he served as offensive coordinator at Charlotte in 2019 and joined Mike Norvell’s first Florida State staff as the offensive line coach in 2020.
Coach Atkins' FSU offensive line has excelled despite using 18 different starting combinations in 34 games, achieving 18 games with at least 200 rushing yards and tying a school record with seven consecutive 200-yard rushing games in 2022.
In 2022, Atkins led one of the nation's most explosive offenses, driving FSU to a 10-3 record and a top 11 finish in national polls. The Seminoles led the nation in several offensive metrics, including plays of 20-plus yards, and topped the ACC in multiple categories, showcasing remarkable improvement across the board.
We will take a look at how Coach Atkins puts together his offense after the season preview for the #12 Seminoles.
Season Preview Capsule
The disappointing end to Florida State's 2023 season, including a heartbreaking injury to star QB and missed CFP opportunity, might be a blessing in disguise.
Fueled by a chip on their shoulder and a loaded roster with elite talent at every position, the Seminoles are primed for a revenge tour in 2024. Coach Norvell has a team capable of dominating the ACC again, boasting a potent offense led by transfer QB DJ Uiagalelei and a defense that remains elite despite losing some key players.
With several key games at home and a potentially expanded CFP field, this could be the year FSU finally breaks through.
Florida State Strengths:
Offense:
- Experienced QB: Transfer DJ Uiagalelei brings experience and talent to the quarterback position.
- Reloaded Receiving Corps: Despite losing key players, FSU has recruited and developed new options like Hakeem Williams, Ja’Khi Douglas, and Malik Benson.
- Strong Offensive Line: A returning core with talented additions like Darius Washington, Maurice Smith, Jeremiah Byers, Richie Leonard, and TJ Ferguson promises a dominant line.
- Deep Running Backs: Even with Trey Benson gone, FSU has Lawrance Toafili, Roydell Williams, Jaylin Lucas, and Kam Davis to carry the load.
Defense:
- Elite Pass Defense: Ranked 11th nationally in 2023, with strong shutdown corners like Fentrell Cypress and Azareye’h Thomas.
- Disruptive Pass Rush: Patrick Payton leads a talented group, with Marvin Jones Jr. joining the other side.
- Solid Linebacking Corps: DJ Lundy and Omar Graham anchor the unit despite graduation losses.
- Strong Safety Play: All-ACC safety Shyheim Brown returns, along with talented transfers Davonte Brown and Earl Little.
Clinic: Gap Scheme Variation with Screens and Run Action
Optimizing Schemes for Player Skill Levels
We often focus on winning the game on the chalkboard, sometimes losing sight of the correct perspective. The priority should be players and their development, teaching proper fundamentals first, and then moving on to plays.
Coach Atkins always begins with a focus on playing physically and utilizing the athletes' potential and size to their advantage. He then uses plays that capitalize on these strengths, followed by complementary plays instead of entirely new schemes. If you have a broad playbook close to the season, consider redirecting your focus.
He explains how he defines physicality in this video:
Video: Defining Physicality
Adding Complexity to Defensive Reads
These base schemes should match the skill level of the players. For example, Florida State has sizable and athletic offensive linemen, making Counter schemes very appealing. However, if a team doesn't fit this description, gap schemes like Duo might be more attractive.
A variation of the Counter scheme is the GY Counter, which incorporates the Y position. This adds a larger athlete capable of handling movement, complicating defensive reads and gap management.
The point is to adjust scheme to fit your personnel.
Here’s an example of the FSU Counter GY:
Video: Counter GY
Extending Schemes into the Passing Game
From these schemes, extending them into the passing game offers various options while maintaining a similar base, requiring minimal additional teaching. Incorporating screens allows for attacking defenses and putting them on their heels, epitomizing the order of operations in playbook development and expansion that Coach Atkins utilizes.
Video: Screen Off of Counter
An Effective Formula
Observing Coach Atkins' teaching methods and the schematics utilized by Florida State clearly illustrates why they are so successful. Combined with the fundamentals presented by Analyst Gabe Fertitta, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of Florida State's run game.
Tailoring schemes to player skills, adding complexity to defensive reads, and expanding playbooks efficiently are key steps in achieving success on offense and have given an effective formula for Coach Atkins and his offensive staff.
-Coach Grabowski, Coach Kauffman and the CoachesClinic Team
Other Clinics from the Florida State Staff:
Adam Fuller Florida State - 3rd Down Teaching
Gabe Fertitta - Offensive Line Gap Scheme Fundamentals and Drills
Gabe Fertitta - OL Outside Zone Fundamentals & Variations
Resources for the 2024 season:
2024 Prep for Camp - WR Edition
2024 Prep for Camp - RB Edition
2024 Prep for Camp - OL Edition Bundle