Defending the Modern Offense with Universal Run Fits

Description

At Dickinson State University, we operate a multiple front, multiple coverage defense designed to handle every offensive style we face throughout the season. The foundation of our success is our universal run fit system, which allows us to seamlessly transition between three- and four-man fronts, and a variety of split-field, two-high, and one-high coverages—all without slowing our players down.

This system has been a key factor in our defensive success. Over the past two seasons, we've ranked top 5 nationally in rush defense, giving up just 77 rushing yards per game on average.

In this course, we’ll break down:

Our overall philosophy on stopping the run
The three rush techniques we use to affect option plays
How we identify conflict players in RPO situations
The core rules of our universal fit system
And our adjustments to handle anything an offense throws at us

The best part? This universal run fit system can be integrated into any defensive scheme without requiring wholesale changes to your structure.

Lessons

1 Defensive Philosophy 3:32

Critical Terms

2 Scrape 2:11 3 Spill 2:20 4 Force 2:20

Player roles against RPO's

5 Gap, Bonus, and Conflict Players 7:21 6 When are conflict players present 2:02

Rushers techniques and fits

7 CBR Rusher 7:24 8 Chase Rusher 4:07 9 BaR Rusher 6:20 10 Defending Shuffle Read Plays 4:00

None rushers fits

11 None Rushers Fits 3:21

Adjustments

12 Umbrella Principle 7:18 13 Sling the Fit 5:58 14 Deuce Fits 8:22

The Coach

Jason Thier

Coach Thier is the Defensive Coordinator at Dickinson State University, where the team recently capped off the 2024 season by winning its 10th consecutive NSAA Conference Championship. He just completed his 16th season as a college football coach, with experience at the NAIA, NCAA Division II, and FCS levels.

Thirteen of his sixteen seasons have been spent as a Defensive Coordinator, during which he has helped guide teams to eight conference championships and four national quarterfinal appearances. In recognition of his success, Coach Thier was named the NSAA Conference Assistant Coach of the Year following the 2021 season.

Throughout his career, he has coached nine All-Americans, 35 All-Conference players, and five Conference Players of the Year. While he has spent the majority of his coaching career working with linebackers, he also has two seasons of experience coaching defensive backs.

Ratings and Reviews (3)

John Hoehn

Great information on how to simplify run fits if you plan on being very multiple as a defense. The adjustments presented were also great, giving you answers for what different offensive styles will throw at you. Coach was very helpful with answering follow up questions as well.

Mar 29, 22 05:36 AM