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What College Scouts Look for in High School Cornerbacks

When it comes to recruiting high school cornerbacks, college scouts are meticulously detailed in their evaluations. Cornerbacks play a critical role in any football defense, responsible for covering some of the most athletic players on the field. Here are the top five attributes that college scouts look for when assessing high school cornerbacks:

1. Athleticism

Speed: A cornerback’s ability to keep up with fast receivers is crucial. Scouts often use 40-yard dash times as a key metric for evaluating a player’s speed. Quick acceleration and top-end speed help cornerbacks stay stride-for-stride with wide receivers and recover if beaten initially.

Agility: Agility is essential for a cornerback to change direction quickly and react to a receiver’s movements. Scouts often assess agility through shuttle drills and cone drills, which simulate the rapid direction changes required during a game.

Vertical Leap: A good vertical leap is important for contesting catches, especially against taller receivers. A strong vertical jump allows a cornerback to challenge passes effectively, even when outmatched in height.

2.  Technical Skills

Footwork: Proper footwork is vital for maintaining balance and positioning. Scouts look for cornerbacks who can backpedal smoothly, transition efficiently from a backpedal to a sprint, and change directions without losing balance or speed.

Hand Usage: Effective use of hands, particularly in press coverage, is critical. Scouts evaluate how well a cornerback can jam receivers at the line of scrimmage, disrupt their routes, and avoid penalties.

Tackling: Reliable tackling skills are essential, particularly in open-field situations. Scouts look for cornerbacks who can tackle with good form, ensuring that they can stop receivers and contribute to run defense.

3.  Football IQ

Play Recognition: A high football IQ allows cornerbacks to quickly read and react to offensive plays. Scouts value players who can recognize routes and formations, anticipate the quarterback’s intentions, and position themselves accordingly.

Awareness: Situational awareness is crucial for understanding down-and-distance scenarios, offensive tendencies, and making in-game adjustments. Cornerbacks with strong awareness can make smarter plays and avoid costly mistakes.

Discipline: Staying disciplined in coverage assignments is key. Scouts look for cornerbacks who do not bite on double moves or fakes and who can maintain their coverage responsibilities throughout the play.

4. Physicality

Size and Strength: While speed and agility are important, having the right size and strength to compete with physical receivers is equally critical. Scouts evaluate whether a cornerback has the physical attributes to handle college-level competition.

Durability: The ability to withstand the physical demands of the game without frequent injuries is important. Scouts consider a player’s injury history and overall durability when making evaluations.

5. Character and Work Ethic

Coachability: Being open to learning and adapting based on coaching feedback is a valuable trait. Scouts look for players who show a willingness to improve and take instruction well.

Competitiveness: A strong desire to compete and continually improve is essential. Scouts value cornerbacks who demonstrate a competitive spirit on and off the field.

Leadership: Potential for leadership is another important factor. Scouts assess whether a cornerback can lead by example, demonstrate good sportsmanship, and contribute positively to team dynamics.

Conclusion

For high school cornerbacks aspiring to play at the college level, excelling in these five areas can significantly boost their recruitment prospects. College scouts are looking for players who combine athletic prowess with technical skills, football intelligence, physicality, and strong character. By focusing on these attributes, high school cornerbacks can better position themselves for success in the highly competitive world of college football recruiting.

For more information on improving your physical skills and football IQ as a defensive back,  join the All Eyes DB Camp member’s area.  Over 200 videos on DB tips, drills, workouts, coverages explained and more.  Click here for more info.

3 Ways for the Secondary to Decode the Offense

Playing defensive back involves a wide array of physical skills, but none of those skills will be worth anything unless you can embrace the mental side of the game. Having a strong understanding of what the offense is trying to do is crucial to you becoming a playmaker on the field. With that said, here are three basic but important ways that you can determine what the offense is trying to do.

Personnel

Obviously, people are the most important currency in football. Every team has players who fulfill a role. Offenses have playmakers and intelligent coaches who try to get the ball to those players. It is important to locate the playmakers on the offense. Through film study, you can learn how they do that. Do they move their playmakers around? If so, you can get a bead on what plays they run by where the playmakers line up. On a simple level, some teams bring in more wide receivers when they want to pass and more tight ends when they want to run. Some teams make use of a third-down back. Study film to determine what plays they run when he’s in the game. Other teams will use things like an extra tight end or a fullback when they want to be powerful or tricky with play action. Make it a point to study those things. Always make a note of who is in the game.

Formations

Some teams use a variety of formations. Study the formations to determine what plays they like to run from them. Some teams will run the same plays over and over while using different formations to confuse you. You can determine that from film study.

The more formations a team runs, the fewer plays they are able to run. There’s only so much that a team can learn and execute well. As you are watching film, pay close attention to the plays and concepts that are being run from each formation. Oftentimes you will notice that the concepts are the same. For instance, a play run by a team from their trips formation is very similar to the play they run when they’re in a 2×2 formation.

Offenses also have favorite plays in their formations. If you can hone in on the handful of popular plays from each formation, you can put yourself in a position to make a big play with anticipation. Take notes as you study film regarding their top plays in each formation.

Down and Distance

The name of the game is to advance the ball down the field towards the end zone. To do this, offenses must get first downs. With this in mind, down and distance are very important to the offense. We don’t see fullback dives on third and 10, right? That tells you that the down and distance is important.

As you watch film, be sure to notice what your opponent likes in certain downs and distances. Add to that what they do when they are in certain parts of the field. The plays that get called on certain downs and distances are different when they are on their own 20-yard line as opposed to midfield.

Third downs are very crucial to the offense. In most situations, that is the last down they have to get a first down before they must punt or attempt a field goal. Offenses tend to rely on a small number of plays in these crucial situations. Do your best to determine what those plays are. Having a firm knowledge of this can put you in a position to make a big play in a crucial moment.

Putting it All Together

Using these three important things—personnel, formations, and down and distance—can give you major clues into what is coming before the ball is snapped. Having quick reaction skills as a defensive back is important, but there is no substitute for the power of anticipation. Your ability to anticipate will be developed through your careful film study. Through these three components outlined in this article, you can begin to uncover how the offense attacks. Having a firm understanding of this will give you the ability to know what’s coming. There are few things better in life than knowing what’s going to happen before it does. Being able to do this on a football field will make you a star.

I go more in-depth on film study and uncovering what offenses do in the All Eyes DB Camp members area. If you play or coach defensive back, it’s definitely worthwhile for you to join. For more info, click here.

Playing Defensive Back – How to Stay Focused Under Pressure

Playing defensive back requires a wide range of physical skills necessary to match up against your opponent and win the battles every down in the war. However, all the physical training in the world won’t help you if you are not mentally prepared for battle and cannot handle the stresses of the position. Defensive back is arguably the most stressful position on the field. To perform at your best, you need to do a few things to handle that stress. In this article, I will give you a few tips on managing the stress of playing defensive back.

1 -Preparation is Key

Focus begins long before game day. Proper preparation builds confidence and reduces anxiety. Study your opponent’s tendencies, routes, and formations. Knowing what to expect allows you to react faster and more decisively. Confidence is the most important factor in playing defensive back, and confidence is built through knowing what your opponent is going to do.

Film Study Tips:

– Watch game tapes of your opponents to identify their favorite routes and moves.
– Pay attention to the quarterback’s habits and tells.
– Study your own performances to identify and correct mistakes.

2 – Develop a Pre-Game Routine

A consistent pre-game routine helps settle nerves and gets you into the right mindset. Your routine can include stretching, listening to music, visualization, or any activity that helps you relax and focus.

Pre-Game Routine Ideas:

– Warm up with dynamic stretches and light drills.
– Listen to a playlist that gets you pumped up or calms your nerves.
– Visualize successful plays and positive outcomes.

The third point is one that I am really high on. Before the big plays happen in real life, you must visualize them in your head. Manifest your performance in your thoughts and watch them unfold when the real moments come.

3 – Stay Present

During the game, it’s easy to let your mind wander to past mistakes or future plays. However, the key is to stay present and focus on the current moment.

Mindfulness Techniques:

– Focus on your breathing. Slow, deep breaths can help calm your mind.
– Use cues or keywords to bring your attention back to the present (e.g., “Next play” or “Stay sharp”).
– Practice mindfulness meditation off the field to improve your ability to stay present during games.

Many great players practice the art of talking to themselves. To some, it may seem like they are crazy, but it helps them make crazy plays. Speak things into existence, especially when the moments get intense. Talking to yourself doesn’t mean you are crazy or can’t handle the pressure. Quite the opposite. It means you have a plan for the big moments, and reminding yourself of who you are will help you get the job done.

4 -Control What You Can

You can’t control every aspect of the game, but you can control your own actions and reactions. Focus on your responsibilities and trust your training.

Control Tactics:

– Focus on executing your assignment to the best of your ability.
– Don’t dwell on mistakes; learn from them and move on.
– Maintain a positive attitude and encourage your teammates.

Once a play is over, it’s over. Quickly learn from what happened and move your focus to the next play. One moment, you can get beat for a touchdown, and the next moment, you can take an interception the length of the field for a touchdown. You can’t control what just happened, but you do have the power to control what takes place next.

5 – Embrace Pressure

Rather than fearing pressure, embrace it. Pressure means you’re in a position to make a significant impact. Reframe your mindset to view pressure as an opportunity rather than a threat.

Mindset Shifts:

– Think of high-pressure situations as a chance to showcase your skills.
– Remind yourself of past successes in similar situations.
– Visualize yourself succeeding under pressure.

Convince yourself that you love high-pressure moments. This is why you love football and playing defensive back. Performing in the pressure cooker is what separates you from those sitting in the stands. Do this enough, and you will eventually find it to be true. Intense moments are where superstars are made. Extraordinary moments create extraordinary people.

6 – Stay Physically Prepared

Physical fatigue can lead to mental lapses. Ensure that your conditioning is top-notch so you can maintain focus throughout the game.

Physical Preparation:

– Follow a rigorous conditioning program to improve endurance.
– Stay hydrated and maintain proper nutrition.
– Ensure you’re getting adequate rest and recovery.

There’s a saying that goes, “fatigue makes cowards of us all.” One of the best things you can do for yourself physically is to be in shape. Defensive backs run all day, so be prepared to do so. The guy with the most energy in tough moments stands the best chance to win. Jerry Rice built a Hall of Fame career off of being able to run faster and longer than everyone who lined up in front of him.

7 – Communicate with Your Teammates

Clear communication helps prevent confusion and mistakes. Make sure you and your teammates are on the same page, especially in high-pressure situations.

Communication Tips:

– Use hand signals and verbal calls to relay information.
– Encourage and support each other to boost morale.
– Hold each other accountable for assignments and adjustments.

Remember that football is a team game. Sometimes as defensive backs (especially cornerbacks), you can feel like you are all alone. However, even in the most one-on-one situations, your teammates can help you. Whether that is a teammate alerting you to a play that is coming or you aligning yourself in a way that a teammate can help you, defeating your opponent is not a solo job on a football field. Use communication to your advantage.

8 – Learn from Experience

Experience is a great teacher. The more you play in high-pressure situations, the better you’ll become at handling them. Reflect on each game and identify areas for improvement.

Post-Game Reflection:

– Review your performance and identify what you did well and what needs improvement.
– Discuss the game with coaches and teammates to gain different perspectives.
– Set goals for future games based on your reflections.

Reflecting on your performance prepares you for the next time, and there will be a next time. Those who fail to learn from mistakes are doomed to repeat them. Repeated mistakes become habits, and we all know that habits are hard to break. Learning from failure is a superpower. Use it to your advantage and give yourself an edge for the next time you are in that situation.

Conclusion

Some players at the upper levels even seek help from a sports psychologist. Never be too prideful to do this. These professionals can help you set your mind up for success. As physical as the game of football is, 80% of it is mental. The mind controls the body, and for it to do that, it must be in the proper state play after play. Using the techniques described in this article prepares your brain to make the right decisions on the field when the situations mean the most. Incorporate them into your routine and enjoy the newfound success that it will bring you.

7 Ways DBs Can Learn A New Defense Super Fast

You’ve spent countless hours in the weight room and on the field in the off-season. You’ve taken your body to the brink and toiled under the sun to be an impact player on your new team, but there is one thing that can undo all of your efforts and keep you on the bench. That thing is the playbook.

Whether you are leveling up from high school to college, college to pro, or just switching teams, adapting to the new playbook can be very challenging depending on how complicated your new team’s scheme is. If you don’t put forth the same amount of effort in learning the playbook that you did in training, all of your physical efforts might have been for naught. If you don’t know where to line up and what to do, you will not play.

With that in mind, let’s talk about the best ways to quickly learn your new team’s defensive scheme.

1. Review Before Meetings

If you’re fortunate to get materials before install meetings, it is in your best interest to review those materials prior to the meetings. In a lot of colleges, the defenses that will be installed in the meeting are sent to your iPad beforehand. In some other cases, even at the high school level, you are given an entire playbook and you are told prior to the meeting what will be installed on that day. Whatever the case may be, I urge you to review the materials before the meeting. As you do this, ask yourself some questions.

There’s no doubt that there will be terminology in the playbook or install that you are not familiar with. Make note of those terms you do not understand. Additionally, some of the questions you can ask yourself before the meeting and seek answers to are: What happens when there is motion? Do we stay in this coverage if they come out in a different formation? Having these questions in your mind prior to the meeting ensures that you find the answers and allows the answers to stick in your mind a little better.

2. Take Notes During the Meeting

This one is elementary, but you’d be surprised how many players don’t do this. If you aren’t taking notes, you aren’t engaged, and you aren’t learning. Unless you know the defense like the coach who is installing it, you better be jotting down some things.

If you are like me, and you find that excessive note-taking during a presentation causes you to fall behind, then make use of all of the technology available to you. Use your phone to record the meeting while you jot down the most important notes here and there. With AI now on the scene, there are apps that will take your recording and do anything from summarizing the meeting to giving you the key points. If you’re not using this, then you are cheating yourself. Claude.AI is a great app that can do this for you. There are others as well.

3. Review Immediately After Install

This can be challenging because installs are typically followed thereafter by either a walk-through or practice. So in some cases, there isn’t a ton of time. However, here’s how you get ahead of the game: Prepare yourself before the meeting for practice. This could mean coming to the meeting already dressed (minus the shoulder pads; don’t be a dork lol). This way, the time you would’ve spent getting dressed after the install you can spend reviewing the install. Just simply doing this for five or ten minutes can make you twice as good in the walk-through that is coming. The mind works so much better when newly learned materials are reviewed. It really is a hack.

4. Pay Attention in Walk-Throughs

When you are young, you are active, and that includes the brain. Things moving slowly, like a walk-through, can be painful for your overactive brain. However, this is where your discipline is going to have to kick in. Remain dialed in during the walk-through.

Most guys are only really paying attention when they are in and taking their turn during the walk-through. It is very easy to get caught up in side conversations with other players during a walk-through. Do yourself a favor and save those side conversations for the locker room.

The truth of the matter is, you will learn more during the walk-through when you’re not in than when you are in. When you are taking reps during the walk-through, your brain is scrambling and focusing on a lot of things. When you are not in and watching others take reps, your brain is more calm and better able to focus. That’s where the learning comes in. Now when it’s your turn, you are just reacting, and that will be from what you observed while you were not in.

If you think that your coaches aren’t evaluating you or don’t take walk-throughs seriously because you aren’t tackling someone or making plays on the ball, you better guess again. A lot of times, this is when they are determining how many reps you are going to get in the live practice. If you look lost in the walk-through, your coach might think you aren’t ready for live action. Don’t let that be you.

5. Review After Practice

If all you went through was a walk-through and then you were given some free time, steal 10, 15, or 20 minutes to review once again. If you had a full-on practice after the walk-through, then spend that same amount of time soon thereafter reviewing. I get it, practice just ended and you would like a break. Extend your practice this small amount of time and put the review in. It will work wonders. Again, the reviews really allow the information to be absorbed by your brain. It will also allow you to correct some of the mistakes you may have made. Repeating mistakes when you are new is a cardinal sin.

6. Watch Film

If you have it available to you, watch film of your team playing the defenses that have been discussed. Watch the film and try to determine what defense the team is in. If you are in college, you are probably going to have access to film that labels the defense that is being run on the film. Use that to your advantage. Sometimes the brain works better watching others execute something that has been drawn on a board or put on a pad. Also, use this to your advantage. This, along with the other tips, will enhance the speed at which you learn the new defenses.

7. Quiz Yourself

There is knowing the defense, and then there is KNOWING the defense. Don’t forget how fast things move during live practice and in games. When the offense breaks the huddle, you have precious little time to figure out what formation they are in, where you’re supposed to line up, and what you are supposed to do. Don’t get fooled by taking two minutes to come up with the right answers about a defense when you are sitting in your dorm or in a meeting.

You really need to know the defense well enough to have all the answers within five to ten seconds. That’s about all the time you will have when things are moving for real. Do yourself a favor and choose some defenses out of your playbook and draw them up on paper without the benefit of reviewing your notes. The more you do this, the faster you will learn it. Ultimately, you want to know the defense well enough to teach it to someone else, preferably someone that doesn’t even play football. When you know it like that, then you know it for sure, and now you’re ready to go.

Conclusion

Knowing the defense and the coverages is ultimately what you will need to play. While being big, fast, strong, and skillful at your position is a must, nothing is going to happen if you don’t understand the defense. By reviewing before the meetings, taking notes during the meeting, reviewing immediately after the installs, paying attention during walk-throughs, reviewing after practice, watching film, and quizzing yourself, you can dramatically speed up the amount of time it takes you to know the new defense. The quicker you learn, the quicker you will play, and the more plays you will make. Implement these tips into your learning process. You’ll thank me later.

Don’t Untrain Yourself

A Message to Defensive Backs About Correct Training

It’s that time of year when we turn up the heat on our preparation for the coming season. They say champions are made in the summer, and that may be true, but it can also be a time when you form some bad habits.

There is power in repetition and consistency. This is something that I have held strong to as a motto for All Eyes DB Camp. When people hear this, they think of the positive aspect. Consistency in training can bring you extremely positive results. However, consistently doing something wrong can cripple your ability to reach your maximum level of performance.

One of the hardest things to train as a defensive back is your eyes. It’s even harder if you are training on your own. Let’s face it, it’s impossible to see your eyes. It’s also very difficult to feel what your eyes are doing. Without the benefit of another person there watching your eyes to give you feedback, it takes a very focused effort to do the right things with your eyes while you are training.

As a rule, when you are doing DB drills by yourself, start no drill without first asking, “Where should my eyes be?” You could not play this game if you were blind. As such, having your eyes in the wrong place will render what your feet and hands are doing useless. What your eyes are doing comes first. Put your focus on your eyes first and foremost in every drill that you do when you are training. If you are doing drills by yourself, be especially diligent in doing the right things with your eyes.

For instance, if you are working on your kick slide, be sure to use your imagination and pretend that there is a man in front of you that you are covering. This prevents your eyes from going all over the place. Many times players will develop the habit of looking at the ground during their drill work. Undoubtedly, this comes from training by yourself. It’s human nature to look at the ground during intense moments of physical activity or skill development. You have to drill that tendency out of yourself.

If the eyes are the most important part of playing defensive back, then they should be a major focus when you are training. Keep this in mind as you hit the park and get some work in by yourself. It’s easy to just focus on the feet and the hands because they are easy to see and judge. However, the real focus in your drill work should be on what your eyes are doing. When the eyes are right, the feet and the hands follow.

For more information on how to train in the off-season, pick up a copy of my book “101 DB Tips.” It’s the ultimate reference guide for defensive backs, coaches, and trainers. Click here for more info.

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.

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