Question about positions

Very basic position questions:

I have always been a very casual FB fan (never played myself; well, except pee-wee ball) and wanted to see if the board could give me a primer in the differences between certain positions and the skills needed to man those spots.For instance, what is the difference between a SLB/SAM and a WLB/WILL? I know that they are both outside linebackers (duh), is the WILL generally the fastest LB, better suited for covering RB's that go into pass patterns or blitzing the QB? Is the SAM a bigger LB expected to be more of a force in stopping the run?

What is the difference between the FS and the SS? Is the free safety more of a "centerfielder" and expected to help in pass coverage, while the SS is more involved in run support?I think you get the idea of what I am looking for so I will just list the other spots that I am also curios about:LT v RT on O lineSDE v WDE on D lineIs there any difference between the two CB's?Thanks in advance for any and all input.
C
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Thanks for the question. Difference in position depends on scheme or package. I will address the defense difference from scheme that Michigan is using 4-3, with either cover 2, 2 deep safeties playing deep 1/2 coverage or cover 4, all 4DBs responsible for 1/4 of the field.

Depending on rules WLBer or in some schemes Quick side backer/QLBer, will line up either to side away from the TE, short side of the field, or side with lesser amount of WR’s and will have responsibility for force to flat.. WLBer is generally a tad smaller, quicker, and has ability to play in space. This is because the SS will generally have the flat allowing SLBer, sometimes called Leo to be the stronger against the run. He is also responsible for hold the TE up and playing the C gap. He needs to be tad larger and better run defender.

In Michigan’s defense, there is little difference between FS and SS. Both will have responsibility for either deep 1/2 or deep 1/4 of the field. When playing odd stack, 3-3 the FS will have responsibility for playing deep middle of the field, usually area between the hashes.

His biggest rule is to keep 21 players in front of him. SS will play to strong side generally flat to the wide or strong side of field. He is generally a stronger run defender.

LT is generally your best pass blocker, responsible for protecting the QB’s blindside. LT also has to able to perform the backside cut off and get to second level to handle LBers. RT is usually a top run blocker, but he most also be a good pass protector also. Teams are now switching edge rusher to make more favorable match up.

SDE usually plays to the TE side; he is more of a run defender. WDE, also called Rush DE is generally a touch smaller who is also a very quick and explosive player. Many teams will move a OLber down in some packages to become quicker and more explosive.

Corner depends scheme again. In Michigan’s scheme, there is little difference CB’s are pass defenders who can play the flat in cover 2. In zone blitz packages it become important that your short corner be able roll into the flat and play the short flat zone, but he also has to be able to play a deep outside 1/4 of the field.

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