Coach ,

Run fits used to be a pretty simple aspect to handle on defense. A linebacker or safety could play their assigned gap and then rely on technique.  

With the advent of the RPO, defenders are constantly placed in conflict in order to muddy run fits and give the advantage to the offense.

The best way to handle offenses who are working to create gap responsibility issues is with simple rules and clear teaching that allow the defense to play fast.

Kennesaw State was #3 in the country in total defense in their last full season (#14 in a 2021 short spring season).  

They are doing things right on defense, and in listening to DC Danny Verpaele discuss run fits in a clinic, it’s clear why.

He emphasizes their use of simple coaching points and concise key words like:

“Alert Sniffer”

“Flow with the Yo” 

“Linebackers on a string”

“Hold and fold”

“First open gap to the back”

“Shuffle stack; have a chance to fall back”

He makes the point that it matters what the kids know. They are the ones playing the game, so he wants to give them rules on day one that they can “hang their hat on.”

“Flow with the Yo” is shown in this next video. Coach explains how the linebackers work on a string and use their vision to key the sniffer or “Yo.” When they see his flow, they will flow with him, and if they do it right it looks like they are on tied together on a string and moving together as he shows on game video (click image for video)”

The combination of techniques and triggers used by the level two players as well as the assignments of the safeties and corners allow Kennesaw State to be sound on run fits while limiting the offense on hurting them with RPO.

Understanding how your defenders will fit different formations and scheme is extremely important in playing the ever-evolving RPO teams. 

Having a sound plan and simple coaching cues will help your team on game day this fall.

Always be growing!

Coach Grabowski