Michigan Football Tidbits: Position Breakdown -- Coach Jackson and Running backs

Michigan Football Tidbits: Position Breakdown -- Coach Jackson and Running backs

Here are the highlights of Coach Jackson’s lecture as well as our impressions of Michigan’s running backs.

First, Coach Jackson gets the award for best line by an assistant coach this year: "Running backs think the sun rises and sets on their Asses!" Could not agree more; these are generally your prima donnas--they want the ball every time--and getting them to block and carry out fakes can be a challenge for a running back coach.

Elements of Zone Play: Inside Zone

A) Make proper pre-snap read. Running backs need to look down the line of scrimmage to the play side. Secondly, play side is big read, third is keep vision.

B) No false Steps.

C) Take Directional Step--not downhill too fast, parallel for two steps, setting up bounce or bend read.

C-1). Bounce is break to outside / bend to cut inside.

D) Keep your eyes on your work.

E) Second step is acceleration.

F) Slow to the hole, not slow through the hole, once outside foot is into the ground, make acceleration.

G) Discipline! Do the same start every time.

If Bounce: Two steps as fast as you can / chase the offensive tackles butt (it's not hard to miss).

If Bend: Get Vertical as fast as possible.

Elements of Zone Play: Track of Outside Zone

A) Run through offensive tackles heels.

B) Check point of attack for reads one and two.

C) See a lane--jump cut.

D) Score! Believe you can score every time. If the score is there, do not miss it!

Running Backs: Possibly most talented position group on team

1) B Minor: We saw limited amounts of playing time on Saturday and scrimmages, but two prior days he was definitely the number one running back. He is bigger, quicker, and stronger than last year. If Minor can stay healthy, he is capable of carrying a huge load for the offense.

2) C. Brown: One of the most improved players on the team. He is just not fast as in past, but quicker and more elusive. He is capable of breaking big plays from anywhere. Keep fingers crossed he stays healthy!

3) V. Smith: He is smallish, but do not let size fool you. To be honest, we figured him for a move to slot because of size, but this kid is super quick and tough as nails. Best bounce move on team and his feet never stop moving!

4) K. Grady: Props to this kid. He gives all he has and will do whatever asked. Will never be a star just a great teammate and team player. Cannot have enough Kevin Grady's.

5) Shaw: Did not practice.

Fullbacks / Max Backs

1) Mark Moundros: One of the most improved kids on team. Always a solid blocker, but caught ball well and even scored on trap this spring.

2) Grady: This was great look for Michigan. With Grady being a better runner, it makes defenses play honestly and not focus on the other running back.

3) Koger: What a great look. Koger was outstanding as the lead blocker and can you imagine this horse catching a swing pass and attacking the safety with full head of speed.

4) Michigan used Minor and Brown together on occasion.

Quarterback / Running back exchange:

Coach Jackson talked about importance of running back / quarterback exchange.

1) Aiming point: running back must stay flat to mesh.

2) Pocket must be soft thing.

3) Accelerate and trust the quarterback.

4) Squeeze, do not grab the ball (you never want to grab balls).

5) Keep on track for two steps past the quarterback.

6) Importance of the fake: a good fake is worth two blocks.

7) Bend over the ball and grab cloth.

8) Continue on your course.

Thanks for stopping by http://gobluemichiganwolverine.blogspot.com/
If you have any questions please e-mail erocwolverine@gmail.com

Written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine