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AJ Woolley, Offensive Coordinator, Vandegrift HS, TX

Full video on Glazier Drive: Vandegrift Pass Pro Scheme & Tools to Help Your O-Line

PASS PROTECTION PHILOSOPHY

The center sets the slide direction at the line of scrimmage based on rules, tendencies, field position, and personnel. While the center makes the initial call, the quarterback has ultimate authority and can override any protection call since he's the one with the ball who will take the hit.

DEALING WITH ELITE DEFENSIVE LINE PERSONNEL

When game planning, one of the first priorities is identifying elite defensive players who could wreck the game. The protection scheme uses three main adjustments to combat these players: overtight calls, jump calls, and tight end help. The offensive linemen make these calls at the line of scrimmage—not the coaching staff or quarterback.

THE "OVER" CALL EXPLAINED

An "over" call changes the offensive lineman's aiming point from the defender's inside eyeball (normal pass set) to his outside eyeball/collarbone/ear area. This overset eliminates the speed rush threat by forcing the rusher wider. The key is that this call is only made when the slide protection is coming toward that blocker, meaning the next man inside is working out to provide help.

HOW IT WORKS IN PRACTICE

When the tackle makes an over call and oversets the defender, the guard immediately knows to help on that player, creating a two-on-one situation. This puts the center more on an island than usual, but the personnel matchup makes it worthwhile. The guard turns and releases slightly earlier than a normal pass set since he knows he's helping. If the defender still tries to speed rush, he gets widened out significantly, giving the quarterback plenty of time.

VERSATILITY OF THE OVER CALL

The over protection can be used on defensive ends or defensive tackles (three techniques). Instead of the normal quick set to the near eyeball, the lineman oversets to bring help to the party. This creates favorable two-on-one matchups on elite players while requiring the offense to win three other one-on-one battles—a tradeoff that's worth it against certain personnel.

COMPLEMENTARY TECHNIQUES

The scheme can incorporate a "flash" technique where the tackle flashes his hands to get the defensive player to commit his move early. Since defensive players time their moves to the blocker's punch, the fake punch gets them to commit prematurely. The blocker then pulls back, counters the move, and can be aggressive knowing he has help behind him. Meanwhile, the center recognizes the over call and pushes hard to his man, understanding he's essentially alone on that assignment.

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