This post was syndicated with permission from the Glazier Clinics Free Coaching Resources at Building Blocks of the 4-2-5 G Defense.
As today’s game continues to shift to a more pass-driven approach, the traditional 3-4 and 4-3 sets are utilized less and less. More Defensive Coordinators are implementing defensive sets that place more Defensive Backs on the field, in lieu of the traditional Linebackers.
This creates a mismatch opportunity for Offensive Coordinators if they are able to capitalize on the smaller defenders now playing around the box. In most of these sets, there remain 1-3 hybrid players that fit the mold of a traditional Linebacker that can support in pass coverage, yet are still effective in run defense.
In this article, we cover some of the responsibilities, run keys, and two specific blitzes for Linebackers in a defensive pass formation. We will specifically look at the reaction of the Linebackers when their run key, the offensive guard, executes a specific action: pull block or zone block.
The formation used for this example is the 4-2-5 G Defensive Formation, used by Coach Pat Fox at Pontiac Notre Dame Prep HS (MI).
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