skill type kids at def. end

I agree with Brophy. We run a 4-3, but by personel we really have 5 linebacker types on the field. Three at true LB positions and two at defensive end. Both our ends are faster than two of our linebackers. Our defense was near tops in the city this year in scoring defense, total defense and rushing defense. We also had more turnovers and sacks than in years past and I relate it directly to the pressure the ends were able to put on opposing QB's !!

The key is allowing your kid to play fast. Line him up a little wider if necessary. I would challenge you to put a fast kid like that against any big offensive linemen and the quick kid will whip the bigger offensive linemen repeatedly. Just tell the DE to react two ways - if the OT steps to reach him or pass block attack up the field right now with speed and quickness. Tell him he only has to beat half the OT - his outside half. If the OT goes down run the heel line expecting a kickout type of block (FB or OG etc..) if no kickout block shows check boot and reverse. If you really want to let him run put the boot/reverse responsibility on the backside OLB. Every once in a while bring the kid underneath and he will probably be untouched by the outmatched OL !!

We do exactly as OSKIE43 does. Placing the DE 1 yard outisde the OT makes all the OT's blocks on the DE a reach block. It definitely works. Over the years we have played some smaller, athletic kids in this position. We won a state title with a 5-10/175 DE who ran a 4.6; he was a great athlete. We tried him at FS, LB, and OLB; he simply could not understand what he was supposed to do at any of those postions. We lined him up as the SE-side DE and told him to do exactly what is described above. The OT's could not solo block him, and he tracked down much of any going away from him. He made us look like great coaches.

Have you guys that use a speedy,"balls to the wall" guy play against a lot of option teams?What then?I have alot of 5'7 150-175 pound kids that are fast and not bulky and I don't know if I can let them go like you describe.Help me out!!!!!

Do you teach these kids to squeeze a down block/get their hands on and ride down the O-linemen,keeping your LB free?Thanks for your response.

YOU HAVE THE LB READING THE O-TACKLE's down block?How ?T hanks again for the response.