Jared Sloan, Defensive Coordinator, Magnolia West HS, TX
Watch the complete video on Glazier Drive at Defending the Spread in the 3-4 Defense: Specifically 3×1
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Base Coverages
- Purple: Two-read/quarters-based coverage with trap concepts for 2-receiver sets
- Black: Man coverage call within cover 5 when safeties can’t reach outside receivers
- Gold: Solo/poach coverage where backside safety handles #3 vertical or back across
- White: Stress coverage for trips formations that protects SAM linebacker
- Silver: Primary coverage on trip side for strong safety
- TCU Special: Rolling SAM to safety depth while strong and free safeties trap #2 and #3
Key Defensive Philosophies
- Keep defensive picture consistent whether in man or zone concepts
- Press or play off based on weekly game plan to disguise coverage
- Trap because “it’s the most difficult thing for a high school quarterback to decipher”
- Use color calls for trap concepts and word calls for zone concepts
- Emphasize communication between safeties and corners using hand signals
Alignment and Technique Details
- In Purple: SAM, MIKE, and WILL remain run-fit players
- In Black: Safeties lock on #2 receivers while corners play inside leverage on #1
- In Gold/Cover 5: Backside safety handles #3 vertical while maintaining trap concepts to trips side
- In White: MIKE bumper shifts wider to counter heavy trips formations
- Pressing single receivers to force 50/50 fade balls while taking away slants and hitches
The defense aims to flood underneath zones while protecting deep quarters, creating a versatile system that can adjust to various offensive formations while maintaining consistent coverage principles.