BLOG

Find Your Friends in Man Coverage

How Smart Defensive Backs Use Coverage Knowledge to Lockdown Opponents

Great defenders have egos, but they also aren’t stupid. We are all aware of how macho football players can be. Few position groups exude that more than defensive backs. It’s all about a mindset here, but don’t let your mindset cloud your intelligence.

In the land of great man-to-man defenders, it is important to realize there is always help when you are tasked with attaching yourself to a particular opponent in a coverage. Less experienced defensive backs will turn every man coverage into a solo session and try to do too much. Smart defenders always know where their help is and make good use of it.

The term “on an island” has been made famous over the years for defensive backs in man-to-man coverage. I totally get the mindset and the marketing. However, no matter what the coverage, there is always help, and good defensive backs know how to make good use of it.

Starting with the safest of man coverages, 2-man, a wise defensive back knows not to allow the wide receiver inside of him at the line of scrimmage. There is no help for a defender when that happens. The help in 2-man is over the top, so a savvy defender takes a hard inside position and forces the receiver to go up top where the help is.

In coverages like cover 1, the help is in the middle of the field. This comes in the form of a safety in the post and can also mean help in the hook and low hole areas of the field via a dropping linebacker or a spying safety dropping down from a hash. A wise cornerback or nickelback aligns on their wide receiver based on the area of the field where their help is positioned. Sure, you’re on an island, but your job is to cover the wide receiver while he’s on the sand and, if you can, force him into the water.

Even in a coverage like cover 0 where there is no designated help from another defensive player, your help comes in the form of an intense rush upfront. This means the quarterback has less time to hold the football, resulting in less time to throw certain routes. Also, the sidelines and end lines are defenders. A wise defensive back or linebacker knows this and puts them to good use. A lot of times, cover zero is used in the red zone. Realize that the end line acts as a safety. Position yourself as a man-to-man defender accordingly. A wide receiver cannot go beyond the goal post for a reception. Don’t be the guy that lines up in the end zone and backs up after the ball is snapped. It does you no good to be two yards away from the end line with the receiver underneath you with an open chest for the quarterback to hit.

In closing, don’t just shut your mind down when you hear that the coverage is man-to-man. Make it a point to examine and understand where others will be on the field. Know which defenders, if any, will be providing you help. If there is no help from another defender, understand that your positioning both at the line of scrimmage and while the route is being run is going to be your best friend. Make use of the sidelines, end lines, and increased pressure on the passer to position yourself accordingly on the wide receiver. This is how you will make plays in man coverage or, at the very least, limit the wide receiver’s opportunities to make a catch.

I speak more in-depth on this topic in my book 101 DB Tips. It’s the ultimate guide for defensive backs and will improve your play dramatically. Hit any of the links to it on this blog or go to 101dbtips.com to pick up your copy.

Differences Between Pass Interference in the NFL and High School Football

If you’re like me, then you may sometimes get annoyed when fans and inexperienced players speak boldly on pass interference without understanding the rules. 

With the audience watching football increasing on a daily basis, so too are the comments on social media when people see a clip from a game. In particular, fans like to comment on pass plays when they feature the wide receiver versus the defensive back. More times than not, fans are wrong about exactly what pass interference is. With that said, I decided it would be a good idea to post this primer  on pass reference  for the readers of this blog. Enjoy and most of all, you are now informed. Ignorance will no longer be an excuse.

The rules governing pass interference in the NFL differ significantly from those in high school football. Understanding these differences is crucial for players, coaches, and fans alike. This article will explore the key distinctions between pass interference rules in the NFL and high school football.

The Basics of Pass Interference

Pass interference occurs when a player impedes an opponent’s opportunity to catch a pass. It can be committed by either an offensive or defensive player, and the penalties are designed to maintain fair play and competition. 

Common Elements:

Interfering with the Receiver:

Both levels penalize players who make contact with the intended receiver before the ball arrives, hindering their ability to make the catch.

Right to the Ball: 

Both offensive and defensive players have an equal right to the ball, provided they are making a legitimate attempt to catch it.

Differences in Rules and Enforcement

While the core concept of pass interference is similar, the rules and their enforcement vary between the NFL and high school football, governed by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).

1. Penalty Yardage

NFL:

Defensive Pass Interference (DPI):

The ball is placed at the spot of the foul, resulting in a significant gain for the offense. If the foul occurs in the end zone, the ball is placed at the one-yard line.

Offensive Pass Interference (OPI):

The penalty is 10 yards from the previous spot and a loss of down.

High School:

Defensive Pass Interference (DPI):

The penalty is 15 yards from the previous spot, regardless of where the foul occurred on the field. It also results in an automatic first down.

Offensive Pass Interference (OPI):

The penalty is 15 yards from the previous spot, and the down is replayed.

The NFL’s spot foul rule can result in much more significant yardage gains compared to the fixed 15-yard penalty in high school football.

2. Face-Guarding

NFL:

Face-guarding (attempting to block the receiver’s vision without turning to look for the ball) is not considered pass interference unless contact is made.

High School:

Face-guarding is explicitly considered pass interference, even if there is no contact, as it impedes the receiver’s ability to make the catch.

3. Incidental Contact

NFL:

Incidental contact, where players unintentionally collide while attempting to make a play on the ball, is not penalized.

High School:

The NFHS rules also allow for incidental contact, as long as it does not hinder the receiver’s opportunity to catch the ball. However, the interpretation can sometimes be stricter compared to the NFL.

4. Contact Beyond Five Yards

NFL:

Defenders are allowed to make contact with receivers within the first five yards from the line of scrimmage. Any significant contact beyond five yards before the ball is thrown is penalized as illegal contact, not pass interference.

High School:

High school football plays under the NCAA rule states that contact may be made with a receiver if the ball isn’t in the air. If the quarterback had thrown the ball, then the contact was made, it would be a pass interference call.

5. Automatic First Down

NFL:

Defensive pass interference results in an automatic first down for the offense.

High School:

Similarly, defensive pass interference results in an automatic first down. However, offensive pass interference does not carry an automatic first down penalty; instead, the down is replayed after a 15-yard penalty.

Understanding the difference between pass interference in the different levels of football is obviously important for those that are participating in it. However, it’s crucial for fans who are seeking to have an understanding of the game that they are spending many hours watching. At the very least, it will decrease your stress levels to actually know what is pass interference and what is not. It does you no good to be shouting at the television calling for a penalty when one is not warranted. I hope that this article was successful in bringing you to a complete understanding of pass interference at all levels in the game of football. 

For more in-depth discussions on football rules and strategies, continue visiting AllEyesDBCamp.com.

It Takes Faith to Be a Playmaking DB

I’ve harped on it. Your coach has harped on it, and perhaps your dad has harped on it too. What am I talking about? It’s watching film, but what good is watching all that film if you’re not going to have any faith?

In my time playing and coaching, I’ve come across players who will spend a great deal of time studying their opponent on film only to not trust what they saw on film when it’s happening in the game. You absolutely can’t be this kind of player. What good was watching all of that film if you’re not going to believe what you’re seeing when it’s happening?

Offenses must have routines and consistency to be good. They cannot come into the games each week with a brand new set of plays. It takes repetition to have great execution. After all, it’s 11 men having to work together to make it happen. If you change the plays every week, you run the risk of several of those 11 men failing to do their job. In fact, the best offenses are the ones who run a smaller amount of plays but execute them extremely well. This means they are consistently doing the same thing.

What the offense is hoping you do on the defensive side is not study as much. Offenses will literally insult your intelligence by aligning in a certain way that is quite obviously telling you what’s coming. They will also do the same thing with personnel. Once again, they are banking on you not having studied or you not believing what you studied when the game has come.

If you’re not going to study your opponent, then you will just play into the offense and give them an advantage over you for for four quarters. That is certainly not ideal. However, I believe it to be worse to have spent the time studying, see these things when the game comes, and fail to act. The way that plays on the mind during and after the game can have long-term effects.

If you find yourself being this type of player, you must do all that you can to correct that now. The best way for you to do this is to begin in practice. This means study your own team and when you see what you’ve studied happening in practice, commit yourself to going and making the play. You may actually have to say to yourself “to hell with the consequences”. Now I am not telling you to act outside of the coverages or the defense called. I am merely telling you that within the structure of your defense when you see a play unfolding that you are supposed to make, go make it. When the time comes, don’t start playing games. What you saw on film is happening live, be present in the moment and make the play you’re supposed to make.

Big plays play on themselves. Once you start doing this, you begin to have more confidence that you can continue to do it. Furthermore, it starts to weigh on the offense. They are hesitant when attempting to execute in your area. Now the routes aren’t run as well and the throws aren’t as crisp because they’re nervous. This,  in turn,  leads to you making even more plays. It’s like compound interest in your bank account. Start stacking up your paper by attacking the plays you’ve studied when you see them coming together in real life.

I have a motto and it’s “see it! Believe it! Go!” You can adopt this for yourself and watch your value to the team grow exponentially. If you want more information on how to watch film, you can pick up a copy of my book “101 DB Tips” or join the All Eyes DB Camp members area. Studying and believing are key to being a playmaker as a defensive back.

3 Subtle Mistakes You Are Making in Man Your Press Man Reps

By now, we’re all aware of some of the common mistakes made when playing press man coverage. These include things like opening the gate, having your eyes too high, and getting on your heels. However, even after addressing these issues, you may still encounter problems from time to time that can be frustrating. In this article, we’ll discuss three small things that you may be doing wrong that could be affecting your press man reps.

1. Using the wrong hand at the line of scrimmage

I get it; sometimes, using the hand nearest to the wide receiver when he is getting outside your body seems smart. After all, it’s the hand with the best chance of touching the receiver, and your coach is always saying, “get a jam.” However, relying on the near hand can be costly in the long run. When you use the near hand, chances are you will plant that same foot. If that foot is planted, your hips are locked, initiating a bad chain of events.

If you were to take a picture of what that looks like, it wouldn’t be good. The receiver is facing down the field, and you are facing in the opposite direction. Unless that receiver is strapped to a 45-pound plate, he’s going to beat you down the field. There’s always the chance that you got a strong enough jam with one hand to knock him off balance and give yourself a chance to open up. However, even for a risk-taker like myself, this is far too risky. Instead, make good use of your kick slide, and use your opposite hand to jam the wide receiver when close enough to do so. This allows your hips to open and keeps you over the top or at least even with the wide receiver as he progresses down the field. I have great information on perfecting your kick slide in the All Eyes DB Camp members area.

2. Not controlling the space during the route

It is a common mistake for young defensive backs to want to glue themselves to the wide receiver as early as possible during the route process. Understandably, you think the ball may be coming at any moment. However, experience will tell you that this is not the case. Certain releases determine certain routes.

Wide receivers would love to have you up against their body as they run the route. This gives them the opportunity to push off on you and get separation as the ball is coming. As a defensive back in coverage, allow yourself some space (typically arms length away) so that the wide receiver cannot push off on you. Sure, it’s supposed to be a flag, but you know that getting a call for offensive pass interference is very difficult to achieve. Do yourself a favor and keep a little bit of space between you and the wide receiver until the ball is on its way. It is then that you want to close that space out and get your body up against his to defend the throw. There are some other great benefits to keeping that space during the route too. I go in-depth on this topic in my book “101 DB Tips.”

3. Not finding the ball

There is an inherent fear by most defensive backs when they are running down the field with a wide receiver that looking for the ball will allow the wide receiver to catch it. Nothing could be further from the truth. When you are in hip-to-hip position, commonly known as in-phase, and the wide receiver is looking for the ball, this is an indication for you to do the same.

Too many defensive backs will run down the field and refuse to look back for the ball. Instead, they opt for playing the hands, and this can become a problem. Typically, the defensive back fails to time the arrival of the ball correctly, so one of two things happens. Either he does not do enough to disrupt the throw, and the receiver catches it anyway, or what is more common, the DB makes contact with the wide receiver too early and draws an interference flag.

Make it a habit to turn your head when you are in position and play the ball. You have just as much right to it as the receiver does. Switch your mentality to being a receiver when the ball is thrown and watch how much better you become at defending the deep ball. You should also combine this practice with engaging in a healthy amount of ball drills in your time on the field. It is important to get comfortable with tracking throws so that you don’t panic in those situations.

Paying attention to these three subtle factors—using the proper hand at the line of scrimmage, controlling the space during the route, and looking for the football—will definitely increase your win rate in your press man reps. Get to work on these and try them out in practices and camps. There’s little doubt that you will see a significant improvement in your results. As mentioned in the article, you can get more in-depth information on these principles in either the All Eyes DB Camp area or the book “101 DB Tips.”

This is Where You Will Fail as a Defensive Back

I’ve seen it time and again. Players come out, they get excited about training and the physical aspect of playing the position of defensive back. They love drills and workouts because they can physically feel themselves getting better. This is all well and good, but when it comes to this other aspect, their interest falls off, and that’s where they’re going to falter.

What’s that other aspect, you ask? It’s the mental part of the game. Yes, I know it’s easy to fall in love with physical characteristics. As fans, we do it all the time. Who is the fastest player? Who can jump the highest? Who has the quickest reflexes? These are the things that capture our attention, and when we become players, these are the things we want to immerse ourselves in. However, you can name any of the best defensive backs that have played this game, and I will tell you they became that because of their mental abilities.

Let me give you a few names: Ed Reed, Darrelle Revis, and Deion Sanders. I can absolutely assure you that none of these players took their physical abilities for granted. All three of these players were students of the game. Not only did they understand the defenses they were playing in, but they also had an elite understanding of the offenses they were facing.

There are several videos out there of Ed Reed talking about film study and taking notes well into his career as a future Hall of Famer. It is documented that Darrelle Revis kept a notebook on all of the receivers he faced. Perhaps this is unknown to many, but Deion Sanders was one of the first players to use a portable DVD player to study his opponents while on the plane to the games. All three of these men were extremely physically gifted, but they realized that both survival and the quest to be the best would involve maxing out on the mental side of the game.

I have seen a lot of young players in my day check out mentally when it comes to the mental part of football. Once they get in the classroom and meetings, their interest falls off a cliff. Start talking to them about defense and how it works, and their brains take a break. If this is you, then I suggest you fix this as soon as possible. If this is you, then I can assure you that I have seen your future in this game, and it’s not bright.

As you dive into your off-season training from a physical aspect, make a strong effort to embrace the mental side of this game. If you do this, I can assure you that you will reap the benefits when the next season arrives.

The physical training that you are going to do will only prepare you to do what your mind tells it to do. If you have not developed your mind, then it will lack the ability to tell your physically developed body what to do accurately. Being great at defensive back or any sport, for that matter, starts with a healthy development of the mind.

So, your off-season needs to involve a total dissection of your team’s playbook. Understand all of the coverages and what everyone on the field’s responsibility is within them. Understand how offenses work and how they go about trying to deceive you. Develop a notebook on the players and teams you are facing. Also, take notes on the top players in your position. Understand why they are good at what they do.

Sure, all of this seems like classwork, and the classroom may not be your thing. Classwork seems boring, doesn’t it? Well, unfortunately, being smart wins. I don’t care what it is you set out to do, whether that is as an athlete, a businessman, a criminal, or a scientist, you won’t find success in it if you don’t embrace being intelligent about it. So, at the end of the day, you’re going to have to do the classwork. Develop your mind this off-season because that’s what your body will follow.

If you’re looking to 10X your defensive back IQ, then I would highly suggest that you pick up a copy of “101 DB Tips” and join the “All Eyes DB Camp” member area. I am devoted to making you the best player/coach that you can be, and these tools are here to help you do that. Do yourself a favor and check them out.

6 Things DBs Need to Know to Master Pass Coverage

On the surface, when you are just starting out playing defensive back in the secondary, covering wide receivers and making plays can seem difficult. However, as with all seemingly difficult tasks, breaking them down into smaller pieces can help you complete the mission.

When it comes to playing in the secondary, both individually and collectively as a unit, there are some basic yet very important things for you to remember. Keeping these things foremost in your mind can help you move with confidence and make plays versus the offense.

Divide the Field

Defensive backs often divide the field into sections or zones, assigning each defender to cover a specific area. This helps prevent receivers from exploiting gaps in coverage and ensures that every offensive player is accounted for. There are some 15 or more passing zones when you line up on defense. Being aware of these zones will allow you to have proper communication with your fellow defenders and understand the coverages that your coach calls. Terminology is a big part of football, and knowing it is in your best interest.

Divide by Alignment

DBs may use the alignment of the offensive players to determine their coverage assignments. For example, if there are multiple receivers lined up on one side of the field, each defensive back may be responsible for covering a receiver based on their alignment (e.g., inside or outside leverage). Also, understand that your alignment against a receiver may change within a coverage based on where the receiver lines up. Smart defenses use divider rules to have their defensive backs align in a way that gives them the best help from either other players or boundaries of the field (i.e., sidelines).

Learn Route Combinations

Defensive backs can anticipate route combinations based on the alignment and tendencies of the offense. By recognizing common route combinations (such as pick plays or crossing routes), DBs can adjust their coverage to effectively defend against them. The more route combinations you know, the quicker you can react on the field. In route combinations, one receiver’s route relates to another receiver’s route. Knowing the combinations can allow you to get clues from a receiver you are not covering on the route of a receiver you may be covering. Anticipation is a superpower when covering so knowing how combos fit will give you that power. I discuss route combinations in the All Eyes DB Camp Member’s Area.

Know the Receiver’s Skill Set

Defensive backs may tailor their coverage techniques based on the skill set of the receiver they’re covering. For instance, if a receiver is known for his speed, the DB may use press coverage to disrupt his release at the line of scrimmage and prevent him from getting downfield. In the article ‘Play to Your Strengths,’ I discuss this concept. A defensive back should know his strengths and weaknesses as well as those of the people he is covering. Match your strengths against your opponent’s weaknesses as much as you can on each play. Consistently being able to do this will give you more victories in coverage.

Have Situational Awareness

DBs must also be aware of situational factors such as down and distance, game clock, and field position. This awareness can influence their coverage techniques and help them anticipate the offense’s intentions. If you have any hopes of being a good defensive back, then this is a must. This is the most basic knowledge you should have on each play. You can’t run around playing the game without information. Every snap can’t be a surprise. Having situational awareness allows you to limit the possibilities of what may be coming your way. Fewer possibilities equal better anticipation. Better anticipation leads to quicker movement and more interceptions.

Provide Effective Communication

Effective communication among defensive backs is crucial in man coverage. DBs must communicate pre-snap to ensure everyone knows their coverage assignments, and they must continue to communicate during the play to switch assignments if necessary or to alert teammates of potential threats. The more you talk, the more information that is given. More information means better decisions not only by you but by your teammates. Football is the ultimate team game, and if you are going to win on defense, then communicating is a must. Engage in this practice as much as you can. The best secondaries study together and communicate well when the action starts to flow.

By making these six things together: divide the field, divide by alignment, learning route combinations, knowledge of receiver skill set, having situational awareness, and effective communication, you will have no choice but to be a solid player for your team. Furthermore, your entire unit will become a force to reckon with when offenses try to attack and find the end zone.

Building Trust with Your DB Coach: Key Steps to Earn Playing Time and Starting Position

As players in the secondary, our first pursuit is playing time and the starting position. To do this, we must earn favor with our coaches. By favor, I don’t mean becoming his pet, but that might be what happens if you follow the steps I will lay out for you in this article.

As with any meaningful relationship in your life, trust is at the top. You wouldn’t trust your girlfriend if she never answered your calls when she went out with her friends. You will not trust your dog if every time you let him outside, he ran down the street. With this in mind, for you to get playing time or a starting position, your coach will need to trust you. Here are four ways you can build trust with your DB coach.

Pay attention in meetings

This one seems simple but can be very hard to do. We all know that meetings can get boring and can seem to repeat the same things over and over. However, this does not relieve you from the responsibility of paying attention in those meetings. A lot of times, those things being repeated over and over have been ignored by you over and over. When your coach has repeated things many times, and you repeatedly get them wrong on the field, he has little reason to play you in the game to see if you will get it right then.

You should enter every meeting with a goal in mind. That goal should focus on learning something new. Or, at the very least, gaining a new understanding of something you may have thought you knew. This requires intentional action and it would be best to write it down. So if you keep a notebook, and you should, write at the top of the page where you take your notes what the goal should be. So for instance, if you are a cornerback and the meeting is discussing quarters coverage, you could put in the goal for the meeting that you want to know what the linebacker’s responsibility is in quarters coverage. Doing this will keep you attentive in meetings and trust me, your coach will notice. Add to that, when you ask questions in the meeting, it adds to the fact that you are indeed paying attention.

Study film

If you have spent any amount of time on this blog reading articles, you know that I am big on this. Aside from the personal benefits you will receive as a player by watching film, doing this will build trust with your coach. Your coach knows that success for his players on the field starts with knowing what his opponent is trying to do to him. If you show interest in this very key element of your success, your coach will feel comfortable that you are a person who will have success. Your success means the whole unit’s success and in turn means the coach’s success. If your actions will bring the Coach success then he will have no choice but to trust you. Make it a point to study game film and as a side note, ask questions about things you’ve seen on film or even point them out to your coach. This will definitely let him know that you are studying the game.

Look at him when he is teaching.

In my book, 101 DB Tips, I speak a little more in-depth on this. Looking at your coach while he is giving instruction is highly underrated. The truth of the matter is that you listen with your eyes. I mean what I just said. It is very difficult to divide your senses. Attempting to look at one thing while listening intently to another is difficult. I am not saying that it’s impossible, but I am saying that it is more likely than not that you will miss important information.

I can assure you that no coach likes speaking to a player or a group of players and having them look elsewhere. It is an indication to the coach that what is being said to the player is not all that important to him. If what the coach is saying is not that important to the player then on game day the player’s playing time won’t be that important to the coach. The only time it benefits you to not look at the coach while he is talking is in a game when he is yelling something out to you from the sidelines as the ball is getting ready to be snapped. Every time outside of that, give your eyes to your coach when he is speaking to you. It will go a long way in him trusting that what he said to you was understood.

Be where you are supposed to be

This one is obvious but is not always achieved. The truth of the matter is that if you do the first three things that I mentioned in this article, you will most likely achieve this fourth one. However, do not take this one for granted.

Being where you are supposed to be does not just involve on the practice or game field. If you are supposed to be in the weight room at a certain time, then be in the weight room at that time. If you are supposed to be in class, be in class. If you are supposed to be in study hall, be in study hall.

If your girlfriend told you she was going to your grandmother‘s house and instead, she ended up at a concert, I am certain that your trust in her would diminish. Just like a safety is supposed to be in the post in cover three, so too should you be in the weight room, on the field, or in the classroom at the times you were instructed to be. Whether you know this or not, your coach is nervous on game day. It takes a lot for him to believe in what another person is going to do out on the field. You can make him believe by following the steps and doing the things I have outlined in this article. As I always say, consistency breeds results. It turns out that it also builds trust.

5 Things NFL Scouts Look For in Safeties

As the heartbeat of a defense, safeties play a pivotal role in the game of football. Their ability to read plays, cover ground, and deliver bone-crushing hits can turn the tide of a game in an instant. But what exactly are NFL scouts searching for when evaluating college safeties? Let’s dive into the playbook and uncover the key attributes and skills that catch the eyes of NFL talent evaluators.

1. Coverage Skills

In today’s pass-heavy NFL, safeties must excel in coverage. Scouts closely scrutinize a safety’s ability to blanket receivers, tight ends, and running backs in both man-to-man and zone coverage schemes. They look for safeties with fluid hips, quick change-of-direction ability, and exceptional instincts to diagnose plays and break on the ball. Whether it’s tracking deep routes, covering slot receivers, or matching up against speedy tight ends, a safety’s coverage skills are paramount.

2. Ball Skills and Playmaking Ability

The best safeties possess a nose for the football and a knack for creating turnovers. NFL scouts value safeties who can highpoint passes, make acrobatic interceptions, and jar the ball loose with bone-jarring hits. Playmaking safeties not only disrupt passing lanes but also capitalize on opportunities to swing the momentum in their team’s favor. Whether it’s intercepting a pass in the end zone or forcing a crucial fumble, safeties who make game-changing plays are highly coveted by NFL teams.

3. Tackling and Run Support

In addition to their coverage responsibilities, safeties must be willing and able tacklers in the run game. NFL scouts assess a safety’s tackling technique, form, and physicality when diagnosing running plays and attacking ball carriers. Safeties who can fill alleys with aggression, shed blocks, and wrap up securely are valued for their ability to limit gains and set the tone for their defense. Versatility is key, as safeties must be able to seamlessly transition from coverage to run support based on the flow of the game.

4. Football IQ and Communication Skills

Safeties serve as the quarterbacks of the defense, responsible for aligning teammates, making pre-snap adjustments, and communicating coverage responsibilities. NFL scouts seek safeties with high football IQs, who demonstrate a deep understanding of offensive concepts, route combinations, and situational football. Leadership qualities, on-field awareness, and the ability to command the secondary are essential intangibles that elevate a safety’s draft stock.

5. Athleticism and Versatility

In today’s NFL, safeties are asked to wear many hats, from covering slot receivers to blitzing off the edge to lining up as a pseudo-linebacker in sub-packages. Scouts value safeties with elite athleticism, versatility, and positional flexibility to thrive in various roles within the defense. Whether it’s matching up against speedsters in coverage or flying downhill to stuff the run, safeties who can impact the game in multiple ways are highly coveted by NFL teams.

Conclusion: Blueprint for Success

In conclusion, NFL scouts seek college safeties who possess a rare combination of coverage skills, ball-hawking ability, tackling prowess, football IQ, and athleticism. Safeties who excel in coverage, make game-changing plays, provide stout run support, communicate effectively, and showcase versatility are the blueprint for success at the next level. As college safeties aspire to make their mark in the NFL, honing these key attributes and skills will undoubtedly catch the eyes of talent evaluators and pave the way for a successful transition to the highest level of the game.

5 Reasons Why Darrelle Revis Was a Shutdown Cornerback

Taking a look at the elements that made Revis one of the games’ best

In the world of shut down cornerbacks, one of the top names that stands out is Darrelle Revis. Known for his legendary lockdown defense, he earned the nickname “Revis Island” because he left opposing quarterbacks and wide receivers stranded without hope. But what was it about Darrelle Revis that made him so incredible as a man-to-man cornerback? Let’s dive into the secrets behind his success, in terms that young cornerbacks can understand.

Elite Technique and Footwork

At the core of Revis’s mastery was his impeccable technique and footwork. His ability to mirror the movements of receivers with fluidity and precision was unparalleled. Whether backpedaling, shuffling, or breaking on the ball, Revis displayed textbook form, rarely allowing separation. His footwork was the foundation upon which his entire game rested, enabling him to stick to receivers like glue and disrupt passing lanes with ease.

At the core of his technique was an ease at which he moved.  In studying Revis you will recognize that he never panicked.  Whether it was a sudden move off of the line of scrimmage by a wide receiver or even being a couple of steps behind them on a deep ball,  Revis kept his composure.  This type of mindset typically comes from knowing what to do in every situation.  Think about your life.  Do you panic in situations that you know how to handle?  Revis seemingly always knew what to do.

Physicality and Press Coverage Prowess

Revis was a physical specimen, blessed with the strength and athleticism to excel in press coverage. His jam at the line of scrimmage was a thing of beauty, disrupting the timing of routes and frustrating opposing receivers from the outset. Few dared to challenge him in one-on-one matchups, as he possessed the rare combination of size, speed, and aggression necessary to dominate at the line and throughout the route.

His solid frame and underrated strength would surprise opponents when they first went up against him.  Over time, it would cause receivers to move out of character.  His ability to control routes when he got his hands on made receivers go all out to avoid contact.  This works in favor of the defensive back and Revis took full advantage.  This is an indication to you cornerbacks that you should not avoid the weight room.  A strong jam changes a receiver’s character.

Instincts and Football IQ

Beyond his physical gifts, Revis possessed a keen football IQ and instincts that bordered on clairvoyant. He had an uncanny ability to anticipate routes, jump passing lanes, and break up plays before they even had a chance to develop. His film study and understanding of opposing offenses allowed him to outsmart quarterbacks and receivers alike, positioning himself perfectly to make game-changing plays.

Revis was known to keep a book on his opponents. You can not be elite at anything if you don’t take the time to truly study it. A defensive back that can anticipate is one that can beat his opponent to the spot.  In a game that moves as fast as football does,  anticipation and getting their first holds great importance.  Revis made this a habit through his studying.

Recovery Speed and Closing Burst

Even when receivers managed to gain a step on him, Revis possessed the recovery speed and closing burst to erase any separation in the blink of an eye. His explosive acceleration enabled him to close gaps and contest passes with remarkable timing, often turning potential receptions into incompletions or interceptions. His recovery speed served as a safety net, instilling fear in quarterbacks who dared to test him deep.

While Revis was not looked upon as one of the fastest DBs in the games’ history or of his time,  it should be noted that he ran a 4.3 forty at his pro day in college.  His sneaky speed allow him to make up for mistakes in the rare times when they occurred. Athleticism is a gift for defensive backs when they put to use all of the other tools that make them great.  Revis was a standout basketball player in high school.  Multi-sport athletes tend to fare well in the NFL.

Mental Toughness and Competitive Fire

Perhaps most importantly, Revis embodied the epitome of mental toughness and competitive fire. He approached every snap with a relentless determination to dominate his opponent, refusing to back down from any challenge. His unwavering confidence and swagger exuded a palpable aura of dominance, inspiring fear in those who lined up across from him and commanding respect from teammates and opponents alike.

When all is said and done,  your mindset is what carries you.  Revis had the mindset of domination.  From putting in the physical work to applying the mental principles,  Revis would not back down when the competition began.  During his time in the NFL he took on some of the finest that played the game including Hall of Famers Randy Moss and Calvin Johnson.  Despite being 5 inches shorter than these opponents,  Revis gave them all they can handle.  This only comes from being a big time competitor.

In conclusion. Darrelle Revis’s greatness as a man-to-man cornerback stemmed from a combination of elite technique, physicality, instincts, and mental toughness. His dominance on “Revis Island” remains a testament to his unparalleled skill set and relentless work ethic. As football fans, we were privileged to witness the brilliance of a true master of his craft, leaving an enduring legacy that will be revered for generations to come.

As a DB, Ground Contact is Your Friend

This Key Element Will Unlock Your DB Potential

By: Chad Wilson – All Eyes DB Camp

Imagine playing a position on the football field where every move feels unnatural, where agility and speed are not just assets but essential skills. That’s the world of a defensive back. The demands of covering elusive receivers while backpedaling or shuffling sideways make it one of the most challenging positions in football. In this article, we’ll explore a key element of footwork that can make the life of a defensive back a little easier.

Consider any sport you’ve watched. How many positions require you to move swiftly backward or turn sideways while maintaining top speed? For defensive backs, this is the norm, and mastering these movements is crucial for success.

Whether it’s a rookie or someone transitioning from another position, one of the most common challenges faced by defensive backs is footwork speed. Reacting quickly to sudden moves by receivers while backpedaling or running sideways demands both speed and proper technique.

When we talk about speed, we have to talk about ground contact. Just like in track sprinting, minimizing ground contact time is essential. Backpedaling as a defensive back requires quick, light steps to maintain agility and responsiveness.

New defensive backs often make the mistake of overusing their arms and lifting their heels too high off the ground, increasing ground contact time and delaying their reactions. Shortening the steps and keeping a foot closer to the ground allows for quicker reactions to receiver movements.

The same principle applies to shuffling and kick sliding. Long, dragging steps only slow down reaction time. Remember the saying, “stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.” This mentality is crucial for defensive backs, especially when it comes to footwork.

Whether you’re backpedaling, flipping your hips, shuffling, or kick sliding, shorter steps are key to staying responsive. A foot close to the ground is a foot ready to react, while a foot high off the ground is a foot that will lag behind.

So, as you head out to train your defensive back footwork, keep this in mind: shorter, quicker steps lead to better responsiveness. And while it’s important to sprint with full speed when tracking receivers downfield, mastering these defensive back movements requires a focus on maintaining ground contact.

For more invaluable defensive back tips, consider picking up a copy of “101 DB Tips.” This comprehensive guide is packed with insights that will undoubtedly elevate your game in no time.  Click here to Get 101 DB Tips

Page 3 of 23
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23