Mailbag question: Can you explain the tweener better

I appreciate your web site and your point of view and the frequency that you post. I am sure it is reasonable amount of work; so, just know that we fans with very little access to the team appreciate it.

The hybrid positions really seem like they could be fun to watch and enhance my viewing pleasure (i.e., is he rushing or is he covering?) Are the two hybrid positions (i.e., the DL / LB tweener and the LB / S tweener) always on the same side, or do they move him to difference sides, or can they come from the middle?

1) Are both tweeners always on the right side (POV of defense)?

Or

2) Are both tweeners always on the same side as one another?

p.s., please don't answer using "strong-side" or "weak-side" terms of art unless you explain what side that is (from the Point of view of the defense) because I'm a neophyte when it comes to this stuff.

Big Zack from Chugwater, WY

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Thanks for the question and comments. Yes it does take a lot of time and effort to put this blog together. It is a hobby (one we love), but we also have real jobs, too.

One of the problems Michigan defense had this spring was using tweeners at Spinner.

A tweener, too small for defensive end and too slow for outside linebacker would not be a good fit at Spinner.

The hybrid takes a specific skill set. A player like ex-Wolverine Shawn Crable would be excellent at spinner position.

The ability to cover and play reasonably well in space as well as the ability to rush the passer, both with hand on ground and while blitzing, are skills necessary to be effective at spinner.

The outside linebacker again takes specific skill set.

A tweener, too small for linebacker, not athletic enough for safety, will not be a perfect fit again.

The outside linebacker needs to be able to fill like a linebacker, but also must be able to cover in space and even play deep coverage.

These positions are on different sides and in a typical defense would be "like" outside linebackers in a 3-4 type defense, but not as much with the spinner position, where he is moved around and even plays in the A gap in two point.

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If you have any questions please e-mail erocwolverine@gmail.com

Written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine