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.
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
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