The Blackout 1.0 (Volumes 1-17)

In this volume, Anderson University Defensive Coordinator/OLB Coach Brett Hickman walks through his complete teaching progression and drill tape. Upon completion, viewers will have a firm grasp on defending both the run and pass from The Blackout’s Joker and Bandit positions.

In 2025, Anderson utilized variations of Cover 4 on nearly 40 percent of their snaps. This volume offers over an hour of teaching, including organized modules, PowerPoint breakdowns, and in-depth game film study.

Coach Brett Hickman breaks down The Blackout’s two most utilized 4-down fronts and highlights the unique technique carryover from the traditional Tite and Okie families previously installed in the system. He shares simple ways to preserve odd-front spacing while improving pass-rush angles and creating new presentation challenges for opposing offenses.

In Volume 16, Coach Hickman breaks down two 2-Deep Trap pressure concepts within The Blackout System. This in-depth presentation explains how to implement  versatile heaters designed to stress the offense by eliminating perimeter runs and RPOs from their arsenal.

The Blackout System implements two different types of 5-man Cover 4 Firezones.  In this installment, Coach Hickman goes over over this series of man-match pressures that can be run on any down and distance.  

Firezone pressures are a time-tested way to create negative plays while keeping the defense sound with zone coverage on the back end.

In Volume 15 of The Blackout Defense System, Coach Hickman details the schemes, coaching cues, and adjustments that have been part of this package for more than 15 seasons.

In Volume 4, Coach Hickman walks viewers through detailed weekly schedules, practice plans, and game-planning templates for both a platoon program and a true two-platoon system. Drawing on his experience as a high school head coach and longtime defensive coordinator, he outlines the key details, advantages, challenges, and practical implementation strategies for installing and operating the Blackout System at any level.

Reminder; PDF Slides are available at the end of the presentation if struggling to read on video.

Having a clear, common language for both staff and players is essential to long-term success. In Volume 2, Coach Hickman breaks down his terminology for offensive formations, alignments, adjustments, and motions. This shared verbiage will be used consistently throughout the remaining videos and will help viewers better understand the detailed coaching points presented in each subsequent volume.

In Volume 3, Coach Hickman guides viewers through nine videos covering topics ranging from staff expectations to his Football 101 program—an introductory system he and his staff implement with every defensive player during the first week of spring practice and fall camp. Upon completion, viewers will have a clear understanding of the common language used by the defensive staff and players at AU. This foundation establishes the framework for continued learning and deeper development in the following volumes.

PDF Document included. 

The Blackout Defense System features a creative approach to packaging pressures, allowing you to generate 30 different calls from just five core patterns. In this volume, Coach Hickman lays the foundation for all ensuing chapters , detailing how to efficiently install, clearly communicate, and precisely execute Firezones of every variety.

Over the past two seasons, Anderson has played 45 percent post-safety defense.  This begins with Country Cover 3.  Coach Hickman goes through The Blackout's Sky and Buzz rotations with key techniques and coaching points.  

In Volume 9, Coach Hickman dives deep into the first-week installation of The Blackout’s base fronts and creepers. This volume includes two hours of detailed visuals, coaching points, and Anderson University game film to clearly illustrate concepts and on-field application.

PDF Documents including for better viewing of PPT materials on video.

In this volume, Wofford College  (formerly of Anderson University)  Defensive Line Coach Caleb Fuller provides expert-level instruction for developing a dominant defensive line. Covering everything from stance and start fundamentals to advanced stunts and twist games, Coach Fuller gives coaches the resources to build a championship-caliber unit.

One of the newest defensive trends in football popularized by Brian Flores is the mastery of Cover 4 Firezones.  In Volume 17, Coach Hickman goes through a deep dive of playing these paths with both a traditional Cover 4 scheme and a Palms variation.  In 2025, AU ran this concept 150 times, giving up only four yards per play.  

In this volume, Anderson University Co-Defensive Coordinator and Inside Linebackers Coach AJ Jones provides expert-level instruction for developing inside linebackers in The Blackout. From alignments to run fits and pass coverage schemes, Coach Jones gives coaches the answers needed to anchor their defense in the middle.

In Volume 7, Anderson University Secondary Coach and Pass Game Coordinator Malik Chevry provides a foundational guide for coaches implementing base coverage concepts from The Blackout, along with his weekly drills emphasizing footwork, eye progression, tackling, and ball skills.

Volume 1 provides an in-depth look at Coach Hickman’s career path and the origins of the Blackout Defense, including the mentors who shaped his philosophy and the development of his modern 3–4 defensive approach. This volume also introduces the current AU football coaching staff, outlining their backgrounds and credentials as they guide you throughout the series.

The second portion of the video presents a clear overview of the system’s core philosophy, mission, and scheme overview along with a preview of what coaches can expect to learn in the remaining installments of the series.

Volumes 2-17 will launch the first week in March 2026.  Volumes 18-25 will be available Summer.  Contact us via email at  blackoutdefensesystem@gmail.com