We’ve previously broken down A&M’s inside zone play, today we’re looking at Devon Achane running inside zone. Achane has vision and speed which makes him a threat every time he touches the ball, especially on inside zone. Today we’re looking at how one quick decision can turn inside zone into an explosive play.
Play Concept
We’re looking at inside zone from 11 personnel with two receivers split to the field and one to the boundary.
The TE and two receivers to the field give A&M trips to the field side. The slot runs a smoke route while the field receiver shows vertical then blocks the CB for the WR screen. This is an RPO play. The boundary receiver pushes vertical to run the CB away from the play. If the defense shows a 4-1 box pre-snap, it is a pre-snap decision by the QB to run inside zone.
Achane Executing Inside Zone
At the snap, boundary receiver Chase Lane goes vertical to run off the coverage. LT Jahmir Johnson fan blocks the outside linebacker sealing him outside. LG Aki Ogunbiyi takes on the 3-tech’s inside slant but lets him go too soon. Ogunbiyi has to stay on the block and seal him inside. C Bryce Foster blocks the strong 1-tech and then passes him off to RG Layden Robinson. Foster climbs second level and blocks the MLB. Robinson moves upfield and seals the 1-tech outside. RT Kenyon Green hits the strong 3-tech inside and turns him outside in a nice display of footwork and strength. TE Jalen Wydermyer hits the strongside OLB and seals him outside. Between Foster, Robinson, Green, and Wydermyer, there is a tunnel to the strongside.
Ogunbiyi’s mistake weakside hastens the pace of the play. If Achane steps strongside, the weak 3-tech will tackle him for a loss. Achane cuts backside on his second step, bending the run weakside. He breaks the tackle attempt of the weak 3-tech and slides through the hole created by Johnson’s fan block. The play almost looks like a midzone run.
Because of Foster’s block on the MLB, there is no one on the second level to tackle Achane. Achane races downfield. Devon Achane is a track All-American, the secondary players will not catch him. Once he hit the second level, Achane is gone. The play result is a 67 yard TD run. Achane’s vision, speed, and quick decision-making ability turned inside zone into an explosive play and a touchdown.