Coach -

Would you like more success on 3rd down? Today, we learn from the best in college football in doing that...

Texas A&M leads the country in third-down defense—allowing conversions on just 24.1% of attempts.

Head Coach Mike Elko and former UNC DC Jay Bateman reveal how that success starts long before 3rd down.

1. Third Down Starts on First Down

Elko: “Winning on early downs makes third down easy—or at least easier.”

A&M grades every rep by situation: first-and-10 = hold to three yards or less; second down = allow half or less. That discipline forces third-and-long and sets up success.

2. Players, Not Plays

Bateman’s rule: find who matters.

“If one kid has 25 third-down targets—you better cover that dude.”

He also isolates his own best rusher or cover man so your players decide the down.

Video: Players Not Plays

3. Attack Protections, Not Routes

Both coaches preach pressure with purpose.

Elko’s “Bear” and “Split” fronts crowd the line so QBs can’t identify who’s coming.

Bateman: “Protections change less than routes—attack what stays the same.”

4. Practice With Purpose

Every Aggie rep has an objective—yardage, down, and distance—not just whether the ball was caught.

Elko: “Stop running plays. Run situations.”

5. Create Roles and Packages

Bateman uses sub-packages to get specialists involved.

A young DL might play four snaps a game—but if they’re all 3rd downs, they matter.

Takeaways

• Build situational IQ every day
• Matchups over menus
• Attack protections
• Grade reps by down & distance
• Create roles that fit your people

Always be growing!

Coach Grabowski

P.S.

Get both of these presentations from our clinics for only $17 - A&M #1 3rd Down Defense