US Sports Football - Jim Thorpe Award Winner Jahdae Barron’s 4 Drills for Dominating Receivers and Condensed Game: Legacy SSS (TX) vs. #2 St. Frances Academy (MD) Presented by Momentous

 

• By Grant Young

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On December 12, it was announced that Texas Longhorns cornerback Jahdae Barron was the winner of the Jim Thorpe Award during ESPN's College Football Awards show, which is given to the top defensive back in college football since 1986.

There’s little doubt that Barron is deserving of this prestigious award, which is named after multi-sport athlete Jim Thorpe, who was selected by American media members as the greatest American athlete and the greatest gridiron football player of the first half of the 20th century in 1950.

Barron was a semi-finalist for this award in 2023, but won it outright in 2024 after a season where he led both the SEC and ranked third in the FBS in interceptions, with five. Barron also posted 47 total tackles (32 solo), one sack, one fumble recovery, and nine pass breakups, while Texas still has at least one more game to play this season in the College Football Playoffs. Three of his interceptions this season have come against Georgia.

Barron got to this position through a tireless commitment to improving and a relentless desire to master his craft. And while he hasn’t reached cornerback mastery quite yet, he has gotten just about as close as a college player can. 

In his ‘Dominate Receivers with Jahdae Barron’ course, Barron walks through everything he has focused on to become a dominant starting defensive back, such as perfecting his stance, becoming fast and smart off the break to intercept passes, and various other techniques to help beat receivers of any size.

We have pulled three of Barron’s biggest keys and detailed them below so that any current cornerback or defensive backs coach can see the steps Barron took to become college football’s best cornerback this season. 

Utilizing Ladders to Speed up Feet when in the Defensive Back Position

Barron asserts that having quick feet and well-developed footwork is perhaps the most important physical asset that a defensive back can have, and he also believes that quick feet can offset any height disadvantage a cornerback has against a receiver.

Barron has a few ladder drills that he has used countless times over the years to help improve his footwork. The first drill begins with the player in their pre-snap position on the right side of the agility ladder, at the ladder’s front portion. The defender will then place their left foot inside each ladder before bringing it back to their natural position. Each time this is done, the defender will be slowly moving backward with each time the defender steps in and out with their right foot.

After 1-3 rounds of this, the defender will move to the other side of the ladder and re-do the drill with their other foot. 

A few keys that players and coaches should be focused on with this drill is that the player keeps a narrow stance, back straight with their knees remaining bent at a 45-degree angle throughout while their weight and vision are kept fixed forward, as it would during a game. 

Another ladder agility drill that Baroon swears by uses the same principles, although this time the defender is facing the ladder and moving in and out of each ladder with both feet, moving progressively to the left as fast as possible without compromising their technique and stance. 

Stay One Step Ahead of Receivers with the Mirror Drill

Once the agility drills are completed, Barron always finds time to do the mirror drill, which begins with two cones being set up five yards apart. 

One player who’s pretending to be a receiver will move laterally between these two cones while the defender is one yard away from them, in their cornerback position, making sure to stay square, never overlap the receiver, and remain on the receiver’s inside hip throughout all of their movements. 

The defender should always be keeping their eyes on the receiver’s hips and thighs while also keeping their feet moving. 

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And if the receiver settles (stops their feet) then the cornerback should be chopping their own legs in place to prepare for a sudden movement to either side. This drill can start with the receiver moving slowly before progressively ramping up the speed until they’re moving laterally as fast as possible. 

Become More Versatile through this 45 Degree Angle Break Drill

A cornerback being able to get the upper hand on receivers during the break is often the moment when success or shortcoming on a play occurs. This is why Barron is so keen on his 3 cone drill, which starts with three cones placed five yards apart. 

The defender will begin at the first cone, go all the way around it while remaining in his stance, cross-over run to the next cone, go all the way around that one, and then break at a 45-degree angle at the third and final cone before a few yards behind where the first cone is positioned. At that point, a coach will throw a ball in the air that the defender will high-point and bring down.

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Jason Horowitz and Kirk Morrison recap the Raiders' Week 3 win against the New Orleans Saints on Raiders Roundtable.

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US Sports Football - 5 Tips to Improve Your Football Game Plan and Las Vegas Raiders vs. New Orleans Saints Game Highlights Presented On US Sports by YETI

 

• By Andrew Dohre

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One of the most important pieces of advice I ever received came from my high school coach: "Give me players, not plays." This sentiment has stuck with me throughout my career, and I think it resonates with many coaches at every level of football. A great player can make us look like geniuses as coaches, but those players depend on us to have a solid plan in place that sets them up for success.

But what does a truly great game plan look like? The value of an excellent game plan goes far beyond simply calling the right plays at the right time. It’s the difference between crossing your fingers and hoping that the next play works and knowing that you will be successful because you and your staff have put the work in and set your players up for success.

Presented on US Sports by YETI.

The process of game planning might differ based on the team, level of play, or situation, but there are key principles that apply at all levels. Here are five essential tips that can make a huge difference in your football game planning process.

1. Understand how much Time you Have

One of the biggest challenges of game day prep is the limited amount of time available. Coaches not only have to worry about the time on the clock once the game starts, but have to maximize the time in the week leading up to game day to ensure a good football game plan. This includes balancing practice time to get players familiar with the plays, time for film for players and coaches to be able to recognize and react to situations for game day, and time for recovery so players are physically and ready for game day. Implementing time management to balance all of these situations coaches go through on a weekly basis is crucial in ensuring you get the most out of your practice sessions and that you’re adequately prepared for the game.

As Andy Kotelnicki, the offensive coordinator at Penn State, has pointed out, the key to a successful game plan starts with time management. Whether you have a week or just a few days to prepare, you need to be intentional with the time you have.Start by assessing your available time and then break down how you’ll break it up into different parts of your preparation process. Focus on the areas that will have the most impact on your performance first, but don't neglect the little things that add up. Time spent on film study, reviewing past games, or even a quick chat with your players can all add value to the preparation process.

Effective time management will allow you to maximize your team’s potential and ensure that you are doing everything necessary to put your players in a good position to win on game day.

2. Divide and Conquer

Game planning is a massive task, and trying to do it all yourself can quickly become overwhelming. Whether you have a large coaching staff or you’re flying solo, splitting the work up is an essential part of the process. A strong coaching staff works together to bring different skills and perspectives to the table.

Successful teams at all levels use the divide and conquer method with their staffing responsibilities. Even if your staff is small, dividing responsibilities ensures that each area of the game plan gets the attention it deserves. 

Take a page from six-time state champion coach Jason Mohns’ playbook, where he implements this strategy saying how his team at Saguaro High School divides up the work. Each coach takes ownership of a segment of the game plan, whether it’s offense, defense, special teams, or specific positions.

This allows coaches to hone in on their areas of expertise and ensures that no aspect of the game is neglected. It also helps foster collaboration and communication within your staff, which is essential for ensuring that all parts of your game plan align.

3. Evaluate and Adjust

What looks great on paper might not always translate to success on the field. And that’s okay—game planning is not a one-time event, it’s a fluid and ever changing process. When implementing your plan, you need to continuously evaluate and adjust it based on how things are working during practice.

Jim Collins, former offensive coordinator at the University of Dayton and current head coach of Wittenberg University, emphasizes the importance of tracking efficiency throughout the week. By grading practices, calculating success rates, and analyzing player performance, you can identify what’s working and what’s not. Are certain plays consistently producing positive results? Are there areas of your game plan that aren’t translating well during practice? 

Evaluating throughout the week also allows you to adjust your game plan for unforeseen circumstances. If you have injuries, weather concerns, or an opponent whose tactics differ from what you expected, adjusting the game plan on the fly is crucial for ensuring your team is always prepared for any situation.

4. Make Sure Players are Getting Touches

Putting players in a position to succeed is the most important thing for a coach, and it starts by making sure players get the ball enough to make things happen. A game plan is only as good as the players executing it, so one of the best things you can do as a coach is to ensure that your key players get the opportunities they need to make an impact on the field.

Exemplifying this, Mississippi State running backs coach Eric Mele, who works within Mike Leach’s Air Raid offense, explains how the offense is designed to make sure playmakers are getting the touches they need to make a difference. 

Mike Leach’s Offense may have a pass-heavy structure, but the goal is always to put the players in a position to succeed—whether that means passing to a wide receiver or handing the ball to a running back. Tracking and planning how much you get your playmakers the ball will make an immediate difference in your program.

A great game plan doesn’t just focus on plays—it focuses on players. Giving them the touches they need to shine is what will set you apart on game day.

5. Set Parameters

The idea of putting parameters on your game plan might seem restrictive at first, but it can actually be one of the most effective strategies for ensuring a focused and efficient approach. By setting clear boundaries around how much offense (or defense) you’re going to carry into a game, you’re forcing yourself and your coaching staff to make better decisions.

Brian Billick, former NFL head coach, advocates for this kind of structured discipline in his book on game planning. When you limit the number of plays, formations, and schemes you’re using, you avoid overwhelming your team with too much information. Coach Keith Grabowski, host of the Coach and Coordinator Podcast, goes on to talk about this strategy in his course.

To help with this, use technology to simplify the process. Many coaching tools allow you to quickly script and organize your plays, which saves time and minimizes the chance of confusion. With everything laid out, you can quickly see how each part of your game plan fits together.

By focusing on quality over quantity, you’ll be able to deliver a well-rehearsed game plan that your players can execute with confidence and precision.

Overview

As football coaches know, a winning game plan is the result of hard work, collaboration, and careful consideration. By using these five tips—understanding your time constraints, dividing the work among your staff, continuously evaluating and adjusting, making sure your players get the touches they need, and setting clear parameters—you’ll be able to craft a game plan that positions your team for success.

Remember, the key to success isn’t just in executing plays—it’s in putting your players in the best possible position to win. With a well-thought-out game plan, you’ll be ready to take on any challenge that comes your way.

All kids deserve a chance to play #YouthSports – regardless of their ability. Help expand inclusive programs as part of the National Youth Sports Strategy from @HealthGov: https://bit.ly/2lQ85f6

US Sports Football: Chris Ash teaches Longhorn Tackling and CFB Texas Vs Tennessee Highlights Presented on US Sports by XTERRA Fitness

 

• By Coach Grabowski

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As Vince Lombardi once said, the game is pretty simple:

“Some people try to find things in this game that do not exist, but football is only two things - blocking and tackling” - Vince Lombardi

 “Texas Tackling Situations”

Teaching tackling has become a hot topic over the last several years.  The typical tackle drills and old technique  have been replaced with methods that better simulate game day situations. 

Of course what used to be simple can be made unnecessarily complex, and cause confusion for a coach learning what he should teach, and certainly a player learning what to apply.

Chris Ash, defensive coordinator at Texas believes in staying on the cutting edge of teaching and practice methods, but he still keeps it fairly simple by identifying a small set of tackling situations that every defense will face:

1. Frontal

2. Profile

3. Sideline

4. Phone Booth

5. One Arm Restricted

6. Last Man

He explains in this video

Ash also keeps the techniques that the Longhorns used to a limited set.

1. Eyes to the Thigh

2. Wrap & Roll

3. Track Tackle

4. Strike ZOne

5. Pec Tackle

6. Click the Heels

He gives an overview here:

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Ash puts those situations together with the techniques.  He shares how he does that in drills with the frontal tackle and eyes to the thigh in this video:

1 Knee tackle drill on bags 

1 Knee tackle drill on bodies

Game clips illustrating the technique on defense on special teams

In a world where we can get inundated with information, it’s refreshing to have someone break it down and explain it in a simpler  way.

Ash’s methods are effective and his teaching progression from drill to game film is repeated for all of the techniques and situations in his clinic “Texas Tackling Situations.”

Everyone has a role to play in the National #YouthSports Strategy! Learn more about the strategy and ways to get involved from @HealthGov: https://bit.ly/2lQ85f6

US Sports Football - Win Downfield - Attacking Different Areas Deep with 3rd Level RPO and Las Vegas Raiders vs Los Angeles Chargers Game Highlights

 

• By Coach Grabowski

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For teams that are RPO-heavy in their attack, the defense will start to take away conflict by bringing a safety down into the box

either pre-snap by alignment or by rotation in buzzing a safety down into the box.

With this move, they effectively equate numbers in the run, and the underneath passing windows are typically left open by a 2nd level player whose run-fits are now taken away.

This creates the necessity of having vertical answers.  An offense can drop back and use seam reads or choice routes, but the objective of any RPO is to run the ball while having a protection answer.

Of course, the RPO can remain the call by simply shifting to a 3rd Level RPO. Most of these are designed with some sort of underneath throws still available with quick routes or key screens.  When the offense is successful with these, then the defense needs to decide if it really wants to bring that extra defender down.

Today, we will take a look at three 3rd Level RPO with the Glance, Bender, and Slot Fade and how each attacks a void in the defense.

Glance

If the backside safety comes down, then Glance is a favorite for many programs.  These typically are run as a 5-step break. 

Glance can be run to the field as well. At Alabama, they call it “pop.” The idea is to attack space as Alabama WR Coach Holmon Wiggins points out in this video:

Glance is fine to the field as well, but you have to be wary of the backside safety.  Noel Mazzone has his receivers flatten it out to what he calls a grass glance.  The purpose is to not bring the Glance into the safety. He explains it in this video:

Bender

Another option is to use a Bender route allowing the receiver to bend into the void rather than giving a distinct break.  This type of route comes into play versus different rotations but it allows the offense to attack a void in the middle of the defense with an easy throw.  Former Averett OC Kirkland Brown explains it off of a gap scheme in this video:

Slot Fade

Glance and Bender bring the receivers into the middle of the field, so safeties are always a danger, but the slot fade attacks a different void of the defense and can be protected with back shoulder throws as well.

Former SDSU OC Jeff Hecklinski explains the Slot Fade RPO here:

Defenses are getting better and better in how they defend RPO.  Having a mechanism to attack their aggressiveness can provide answers and explosive plays.

Planning for some 3rd Level RPO answers can be an effective way to get the chalk back for the offense.

All kids deserve a chance to play #YouthSports – regardless of their ability. Help expand inclusive programs as part of the National Youth Sports Strategy from @HealthGov: https://bit.ly/2lQ85f6

US Sports Football: Pete Golding - Game Planning Alternative Formations And Ole Miss Rebels vs. LSU Tigers Condensed Game

 

by Angelo Clinic

Discover Pete Golding's insights into game preparation for uncommon formations.

Gain access to exclusive game film analyses and detailed explanations of defensive adjustments.

Learn firsthand from Golding's presentation at Angelo Clinic, enhancing your understanding of strategic defensive planning for varied formations.

In this course, he covers:

• Defining Alternative Formations
• Empty
• CK Laser
• MOF Coverage
• And much, much more

Join us to elevate your defensive coaching skills with Golding's expertise!

The Coach

Angelo Clinic

Pete Golding joined Ole Miss as defensive coordinator in January 2023, transitioning from a successful five-year stint at Alabama in the same role. During his tenure at Alabama, Golding's defensive prowess was evident as the Crimson Tide consistently ranked among the top 20 in scoring defense nationally and achieved top-10 rankings in either scoring or total defense four times. His leadership was pivotal in molding standout players like Will Anderson Jr., a two-time Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner and unanimous All-American.

At Ole Miss, Golding's arrival brings a wealth of experience marked by his ability to develop formidable defenses. His track record includes impressive achievements such as leading UTSA's defense to top rankings in the FBS and guiding programs like Southeastern Louisiana to conference titles and successful bowl game appearances. Golding's coaching journey reflects a commitment to excellence and a knack for building strong defensive units that consistently perform at a high level.