We’ve discussed the inside zone/glance RPO as part of A&M’s pro-option offense on a previous occasion. One of the advantages of the glance RPO is its usage as a short yardage play. Because the glance RPO attacks both second and third level defenders, it is a nice weapon in the arsenal when LBs and safeties are on top of the line of scrimmage in a short yardage situation. Today we’re breaking down such a situation as Ainias Smith runs the glance RPO against Alabama.
Play Concept
As we’ve explained before, inside zone/glance RPO is simply a combo play where the offensive line runs inside zone and a wide receiver runs a five-step skinny post.
This above diagram shows inside zone/glance RPO run from 12 personnel. When Ainias Smith ran glance RPO against Alabama, they were also in 12 personnel. The tricky part for a defense facing A&M in this situation is Smith is both a wide receiver and a running back, so A&M 12 personnel is also technically 22 personnel if Smith moves into the backfield. This is significant because short yardage defense often means bringing in extra linemen and linebackers to fill the two extra gaps created by the tight ends in what are seen as running downs.
Ainias Smith Executes Glance RPO
A&M is in 12 personnel on the left hash. Jalen Preston is the boundary receiver and both Max Wright and Jalen Wydermyer are aligned to the field side. A&M has four players (RG, RT, Wright, Wydermyer) to the right of the center and then Smith is the field receiver. The five players to the field indicate an inside run to the field as the offense outflanks the defense to the wide side.
At the snap, Preston threatens vertical then blocks the boundary corner. LT Jahmir Johnson blocks a CB playing the edge defender. LG Kenyon Green takes on the 3-tech and throws him aside. C Bryce Foster zones left and picks up the blitzing LB. RG Layden Robinson picks up the 1-tech and seals him inside. RT Fatheree takes the defensive end inside. Max Wright helps Fatheree on the double-team and goes second-level to take the MLB. Wydermyer takes the DE head up and blocks him. Ainias Smith motions next to Wydermyer pre-snap so the defense is looking for a crack block from him to seal the edge. Smith runs his five-step skinny post right past safety Jordan Battle and waves to QB Zach Calzada. Calzada throws to Smith’s back shoulder and Smith catches it for a TD. Result of the play is a 6 yard TD reception.