We broke down how A&M runs inside zone a few weeks ago. Today we’re going to look at Isaiah Spiller running inside zone against Arkansas in the 2021 Southwest Classic. Even though A&M struggled early running the ball (17 rushes for 49 yards in the first half), Jimbo Fisher stuck with the running game and it paid off on this play. The simplicity of inside zone is what makes the play so dangerous, one mistake by the defense is all it takes for a big play to happen.
Play Concept
Quick review, on inside zone the line and tight end all block to seal the defense outside, creating lanes for the RB to either Bang it inside, Bounce it outside, or Bend it backside. The RB can read the inside helmet position of a blocker to determine where to run. If the offensive player’s helmet is inside the defender’s helmet, he has inside leverage and you can run inside his block.
Against an even front, you want to combo block to the second level so the backside linebacker is forced away from the run. Against an odd front like Arkansas, you can climb on a track to the second level and seal them outside. The other option against an odd front is to wait for a run blitz. A three-man front can only cover three gaps inside. To ensure they hit their run fits, a 3-2 front requires the inside linebackers to blitz the interior gaps. If the OL can handle the three DL, there are extra players to seal the two ILBs outside. The inside is open for the running back to glide through the hole.
Spiller Executes Inside Zone
A&M is in 11 personnel with a TE and two receivers aligned to the field and one receiver aligned to the boundary. Zach Calzada is in shotgun and Isaiah Spiller is aligned to his right.
Jalen Preston is the boundary receiver. Ainias Smith is the field slot and Demond Demas is the field receiver. Jalen Wydermyer is the in-line TE. At the snap, Preston goes vertical and stalk blocks. Ainias Smith runs a 3 yard hitch. If Arkansas brought a blitz, Smith is in position to make the catch and the first down. LT Kenyon Green takes the weakside apex and puts him on roller skates. Green blocks Joe Foucha and take him ten yards down the field. LG Aki Ogunbiyi takes on the 3-tech and seals him outside. Center Bryce Foster takes on the 1-tech with help from RG Blake Trainor. When Hayden Henry blitzes the A-gap, Foster moves off the 1-tech and takes Henry down. RT Reuben Fatheree and TE Wydermyer double-team the strongside edge.
The seal of the strongside edge and the Trainor-Foster combo inside opens a lane. Spiller takes the handoff from Calzada and flies through the tunnel. Jalen Catalon is the first person near Spiller, and he whiffs. Spiller races to the end zone for a 67 yard touchdown. All of the seal blocks inside made it possible for Spiller to go third level untouched, and then it was a footrace.