Developing Complete Running Backs: Ball Security, Vision & Violent Running

University of Texas running backs coach Jabbar Juluke breaks down his approach to developing complete, physical, dependable running backs who can impact every phase of the game.

Juluke begins with the foundation of his running back philosophy: “The team is the ball, and the ball is the team.” He details the ball-security fundamentals and daily drills Texas uses to protect the football, including proper ball carriage, wrist-above-elbow technique, protecting the ball through traffic, and developing runners who finish every play with physicality.

From there, Coach Juluke explains how he trains the eyes and feet of the running back to work together. He demonstrates how backs should approach Inside Zone and Outside Zone, including aiming points, reading defensive linemen, pressing the run, getting behind blocks, jump cuts, and getting vertical rather than wasting movement sideways.

The presentation also covers Power, Counter and Duo, showing how footwork, patience, aiming points, and reads change within each concept. Throughout the clinic, Juluke emphasizes building drills around situations players will actually encounter on game day instead of simply running drills for the sake of practice.

Coach Juluke also shares his approach to pass protection, teaching running backs how to identify different types of blitzers, establish a strong fighting position, use their hands effectively, and bring the same physical mentality to protection that they bring when carrying the football.

Topics Covered:

• Developing a complete running back
• Ball security and protecting the football
• Proper ball carriage in traffic
• Creating violent, physical runners
• Running back eye discipline
• Inside Zone reads and aiming points
• Outside Zone: press, read and get vertical
• Jump-cut and change-of-direction drills
• Power and Counter footwork
• Duo reads and linebacker identification
• Finishing runs and developing game conditioning
• Pass-protection fundamentals
• Identifying and attacking blitzers
• Building drills that transfer directly to the field
• Coaching with intentionality and demanding proper technique

This course is ideal for running backs coaches, offensive coordinators and head coaches looking for a practical system to develop backs who can protect the football, see the run correctly, finish with physicality, protect the quarterback, and contribute in every phase of the offense.