Ryan Silverfield - Blocking Counter

The speaker, identified as Ryan Silverfield, is giving a clinic on the counter game, specifically the GT Counter, which the University of Memphis offensive line ran with success, averaging over seven yards per carry. He expressed gratitude to Coach DeLeon and Coach Rule and the Baylor staff for hosting him.

Key elements of the counter game as taught by the speaker:

• Quarterback (QB) Position and Read The QB's toes are positioned at five and a half yards. The QB reads the backside defensive end (DN). If the DN pulls the ball, the QB attacks the adjuster (outside linebacker). If the running back is in the pistol formation and the adjuster is on the line of scrimmage, the running back is moved to the hip position so the QB can read the adjuster. The play includes a triple option element where the QB can hand off, keep the ball, or throw a spot or bubble to a wide receiver.
• Running Back (RB) Position and Track If the RB is offset, his toes are at six yards, at the QB's heels. In the pistol formation (directly behind the QB), the RB is at seven and a half yards. The footwork is a quick jab step counter step (in pistol or gun formation). The running track is a true traditional playside A-gap run.
• GT Counter Pulling Rules The backside tackle is always pulled, with one exception. The guard or center pulls based on leverage. The center or guard pulls flat into the line of scrimmage to kick out. The speaker emphasizes pulling to kick and not wrapping around, which clogs the hole. The backside tackle is taught a skip pull or open pull, keeping vision on the playside backer.
• Tight End (TE) Blocking For a 9-technique or any defensive end outside of the tight end versus a four-down look, the tight end takes a jab step to make the defensive end think they are blocking them, then goes vertical to work for inside hat placement on a defender (safety or defensive back). For a 6- or 7-technique (head-up), the tight end takes an inside jab step and then arcs out. The tight ends at Memphis average about 225 pounds, so they are not asked to block larger defensive ends.
• Combination Blocks These are called "ace," "deuce," and "tray". The ideal goal on a combination block on a 3-technique is 45-degree displacement. If backside linebackers are fast-flowing, the combination block will work vertically. Combination blocks focus on "hip to hip, ass to ass, and elbow to elbow" with four eyes looking at the backside defender.
• Center Blocking Back If there is a shade or 2-I defender in the backside gap, the center blocks back. The center must be careful not to open and pull too flat (allowing the defensive tackle/nose guard to play over the top) or get too vertical (allowing a tackle for loss).
• Wide Receiver (WR) Rules WRs block the Most Dangerous Man (MDM) if the play is coming to them. If the play is away, they use "cage rules" and run a spot or bubble.

The speaker also discussed variations of the counter play, including:

• Center Pulling When there is a 3-technique backside, the center pulls.
• GT Lead (using 12 personnel) This variation adds an extra hat (second tight end or an H-back) to the block, typically pulling the backside tight end.
• Counter OF (Tight End Pulling) A variation used when a tight end struggles to cut off a backside 5-technique. The tight end makes a "tool call" and becomes the puller, while the tackle blocks back.
• GT Pop Pass A play-action pass variation where the offensive line still executes run blocking.
• Dash Arcing A window dressing where the backside tight end is dashed and then arcs out, which slows down the defense.