Three Tight End RPO’s

Three Tight End RPO’s

By Keith Grabowski

The RPO game has already illustrated a multitude of possibilities for creating triple option offense out of any formation, personnel group, and run call.  

Utilizing players that are typically involved in the blocking scheme create additional stress on the defense because defenders assigned to them are usually run first defenders.  

When the TE releases while a full run scheme is happening inside, the defenders are immediately in a bind and often the tight end is left wide open.

Here are three tight end driven RPOs that illustrate the opportunities created by incorporating the tight end into RPO.

#1 Inside zone with TE Corner

Oregon offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead is one of the best in the game at utilizing the RPO to create triple option offense.  In this video he illustrates an RPO in which the TE runs a corner route and is left wide open in the red zone. He forces the defense into two 2-on-1 situations. (Click image to view video)

If you would are interested in Coach Moorhead’s full course: Oregon RPO`s & Red Zone Offense click here to learn more

#2 Unbalanced Outside Zone/TE Pop Pass

Eric Marty, head coach at Reedley College,  is very creative when it comes to utilizing his same schemes over and over while stressing the defense in multiple ways. In this RPO he utilizes an unbalanced look that force the defense to cover the perimeter while creating a simple vertical throw to the TE.

#3 Inside Zone and TE Flat

Cincinnati offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock has been doing an outstanding job leading the Bearcat offense. In this example he shows the TE in-line running a flat route away from the run. This creates a big opportunity on the perimeter.

If you have tight ends in your offense, there’s an opportunity to stress the defense with TE RPO’s and pick up chunks of yardage.
These are just three examples. As with the RPO game, your creativity allows you to do a lot with what you already have in your run game.

For more information about how to access Coach Denbrock’s complete course click here