with Ellis Johnson,
University of Arkansas Defensive Coordinator;
former Mississippi State University Defensive Coordinator
Stopping the Run

Coaches at any level can use this defensive template to help improve defense against the run. Coach Johnson has taken his defensive system and simplified it to fit his players. With consistent and repetitive drill work, you can develop a defensive consistency that will allow fewer yards and fewer points. Coach Johnson uses diagrams and game footage effectively to illustrate clearly his defensive system against the run. The main defensive look in this presentation is an 8-man front, where the weak safety rotates down in the box to become the fourth linebacker. Coach Johnson's emphasis is in practice where repetition is the key to defending many types of running attacks. Basic leads are covered with the use of diagrams and full explanation. Two key terms in Coach Johnson's system are BOS and BOW. BOS indicates backer over strong, as BOW means backer on weak. Against offensive pull plays, getting leverage is the key to stopping the run. The split flow is covered where the linebacker reads "no flow" because of no lead blockers. Excellent use of game footage also enhances Johnson's discussion of the slant look. As you control the run, success will be imminent! DVD. 34 minutes. 2006.

Zone and Man-to-Man Blitzes

In his first season with MSU's defense, Coach Johnson's group whacked more than 100 yards per game off the opponent's total output from the year before. Within two years, the Bulldog defense rose from the bottom of the NCAA defensive rankings to 29th. A big part of this major improvement comes from the blitz package that he presents in this DVD. Coach Johnson's blitz philosophy comes from pieces that he's picked up during his years of coaching. All zone blitzes are given team names, both pro and college. Mascot names signify man-to-man blitzes. For example, the Temple Owls are used because it represents a zone blitz to the Tight End side. To further simplify the system, coaches tap all zone blitzes with colors, and man blitzes with numbers. Philosophically, he feels this is a great teaching tool and it allows coaches to group common movements together. In great detail, Johnson dissects Temple and Owl by showing actual game footage. Jet Ohio/Jet Buckeye are explained and analyzed, as are Split Arizona/Jet Wildcat. The S/W/M concept describes an odd look on passing downs that has been very effective. Safety blitz options are named after super heroes like Zorro and Batman. Defensive improvement is a slow and painful process in the game of college football. Coach Johnson's presentation symbolizes the need for simplicity and execution when developing a zone and man blitz package. Use the concepts in this DVD to accelerate your teams' defensive execution and improvement! DVD. 36 minutes. 2006.

 

 

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