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Sam Hullender, Asst Coach

Full video on Glazier Drive: RPO Game out of the SMU Power Spread Offense

OFFENSIVE PHILOSOPHY & FIELD MANAGEMENT

The core philosophy centers on exploiting defensive alignment and spreading the ball across the field. The offense acts as a "point guard," forcing defenses to cover sideline to sideline while making them defend both run fits and perimeter plays. Pre-snap reads allow the quarterback to eliminate one side of the field based on linebacker positioning and available space, simplifying decision-making to attack the open area immediately.

FIRE DRILL - QUICK RELEASE TRAINING

The primary quarterback development drill focuses on catching and releasing the ball as fast as possible, similar to a shortstop turning a double play. The emphasis is on immediate ball delivery rather than perfect footwork mechanics. For throws to the left, the sequence is right foot then left foot; for throws to the right, a small step back enables the throw. The faster the ball reaches receivers' hands, the less time the defense has to adjust and the more successful the play becomes.

BUBBLE SCREEN EXECUTION & BLOCKING

The bubble screen package requires the outside receiver to read and react to defensive positioning. The receiver must first protect against trap coverage (safety or corner with inside eyes), then stem inside to block whoever commits—either the safety or corner. The goal is eliminating one defender so the ball carrier only needs to beat one player. The blocking technique emphasizes getting to the outside pad of defenders and maintaining leverage.

BALL CARRIER PRINCIPLES - CIRCLE THE FIELD

Receivers catching bubble screens follow a progression: catch at the hash, push to the numbers, then get vertical to the sideline. This "circle the field" concept forces defenders to continuously adjust their pursuit angles, making tackles more difficult. Ball carriers should always work to get outside on corners rather than cutting inside where additional defenders can help, as making one corner consistently tackle in space is preferable to facing multiple defenders.

TRIPLE THROW OPTION CONCEPT

The quarterback can pull designed runs and throw late bubbles when flat defenders commit to tackling him, creating easy touchdowns. If the flat defender takes away the bubble, the quarterback keeps it for positive yardage. This constraint play keeps defenses honest and creates additional stress on perimeter defenders who must respect both the quarterback run and the bubble throw.

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