Need a smart FS!!

Very true in my estimation coach. My experience has been that finding a good candidate to play free safety is actually more difficult than finding a good quarterback.

Dave Hartman
CYFL Coach

I agree with Coach C, your FS needs to be a faster version of a Mike. Speed, Athleticism, and a Great tackler.

I use a quasi version of the 46 defense. I like to gamble as much as the next guy. I am more for setting traps and taking advantage of them. As such, I love to bait folks with aggression and Zone Coverage. Why? I want my DB's playing downhill facing the QB since accuracy is almost always a problem with the youth game. Ergo, by forcing the issue with a LB and having my DB's and remaining LB's in Zone, I intercept more passes that might otherwise fall incomplete in Man coverage.

At the youth level, there are two reasons for showing pass. One is because they can (Rare), the other is because they want you to waste a couple of defenders by chasing irrelevant personnel (Prevalent). After watching this for a couple of seasons and never getting burned by the pass, I determined to invert my coverage, play downhill with them (DB's) and just dare them to throw into Cover 2 zone. I dont really have a Safety as it were, since the coverage is inverted I have 3 LB Zoning under with 2 DB's taking the over. I also have 2 blitzing to force the issue. Again its all about intense pressure on the ball, questionable accuracy, and picking off the errant passes. The by product of all this is that my DB's can be involved in run support as well. They are most definitely pass first, but coming downhill to assist with the run. Very easy to coach and very easy to play for young kids.

Regarding a QB it depends on the offense you run. If I intend to ground and pound, I may not need Einstein, but I dont want a Brick wearing a helmet either. I might need a hand off machine (hom) or an HOM who can take the rock himself once in a while.
I try to find the A/B student with brains and moxy.