The Hot Gap plus 3 Gap Scheme RPO’s to Stress the Defense

• By Keith Grabowski

The first wave of RPO saw the inside zone and in general, zone runs as the run portion of the RPO. They were simple, allowed for every gap to be accounted for in blocking responsibilities and fit well for many spread teams who implemented RPO. It was and still is the easiest way to use RPO.

Of course, offense is about innovation, so it didn’t take long for Gap Schemes to find their way into the RPO world. With the use of more 11, 12, and 21 trending, Gap Schemes become more and more prevalent including their use in RPO. 

Gap schemes do require a different approach though. In gap schemes, the pullers essentially move the gaps to a location in a formation. The movement of the pullers certainly induces linebackers to move to fit those gaps which makes it attractive for RPO.

FAU Offensive Coordinator Brent Dearmonentdearmon">FAU Offensive Coordinator Brent Dearmon probably describes the understanding necessary for the QB in his execution of the Gap Scheme RPO by identifying what he calls the “Hot Gap.” 

As Dearmon explains, “You can’t serve two masters.” In other words, each player can only be responsible for one gap. 

With this understanding, the QB can avoid being hit while executing a Gap Scheme RPO. It gives the offense a sound approach to using the gap scheme with RPO. Coach Dearmon explains it in this video:

That’s a helpful coaching point that allows an offense to remain sound with the Gap Scheme as a run in the RPO.

The other approach which gives the offense a hat on a hat is utilizing a QB run with the RPO.

Let’s take a look at three well-designed QB Gap Scheme RPOs.

#1) QB Power RPO

2021 National Champion Ferris State is at the top of NCAA D2 offensive rankings every year. Their offense features a strong QB running game.  

In general, the QB run game balances up numbers, but why not provide the QB with safe options and numbers advantages by putting that run into an RPO.

That’s exactly what Ferris State likes to do and OL Coach/Run Game Coordinator Sam Parker explains it here (click on image for video):

#2) QB Counter with Screenreen

A simple way to stress the defense from 20 personnel is to motion one of the backs out and swing him for a screen. The motion puts numbers to the perimeter causing the defense to bump and move the LB away from their run fits. It creates a simple read for the QB and opens up the running lane inside if the defense doesn’t honor the swing screen on the perimeter. Olivet Offensive Coordinator Calvin Renfroe explains it here (click on image for video):

#3) QB Counter with TE Pop Pop

Coach Eric Marty has created a tight end driven offense which he utilizes to shred defenses.  Behind this high-powered offense, he’s climbed from JUCO to the FCS and now to the professional level in the USFL as the Michigan Panthers OC.

One of the concepts that put extreme stress on quarters coverage is the QB Counter RPO with TE Pop Pass. It creates big-play potential. The QB run immediately creates a plus one without the fit. The Mike has to fit as well. His guard key pulls left and if he goes, then the Y is open in a void on the pop.

He diagrams it here (click on image for video):

The RPO continues to evolve in every type of offense. For the teams who like to run their QB, it’s a great way to stress a defense with the extra hat that can be devoted to the run and passing attachments that take advantage of leverage, early triggers on run fits, and numbers advantages given by defenses trying to stack the box.