After looking at Earnest Crownover and Amari Daniels as 2021 backups to Isaiah Spiller and Devon Achane, today we’re looking at L.J. Johnson Jr. Fitting since it is a foundational play in A&M’s offense, we’re breaking down L.J. Johnson running inside zone for A&M last season.
Play Concept
When running inside zone against a 33 Stack defense, the play concept changes a little bit. Running inside zone from 12 personnel against a 33 Stack, the math works out in the offense’s favor.
When facing a 33 Stack, the focus is zone combos on the 1-tech and the 3-tech. The weakside TE and LT double the OLB. LG and C combo the 1-tech and one of the two climbs to MLB. RG and RT combo the 3-tech and one climbs to block BSLB. Strongside TE blocks SDE. If 1-tech and 3-tech are both sealed outside, RB has clear sailing up the middle to the third level of the defense. 12 personnel running inside zone against a 33 Stack is basic football.
L.J. Johnson Executing Inside Zone
When A&M ran inside zone against New Mexico’s 33 Stack defense, they ran into some slight issues.
Johnson is aligned at RB behind Blake Bost. Jalen Preston is aligned the boundary and Devin Price is the field receiver. Baylor Cupp is the boundary TE and Max Wright is the field TE. At the snap, Preston pushes vertical and stalk blocks the CB. Cupp zones inside on the OLB but the OLB and 1-tech did a stunt. There is no one for LT Reuben Fatheree to block so he goes second level to block boundary apex. LG Josh Bankhead should go second level for the MLB but instead tries to reach the 3-tech three gaps down. C Matt Wykoff zones down to help on the 3-tech but the 3-tech and 5-tech stunt. RG Smart Chibuzo picks up the 5-tech. RT Galen Gallagher picks up the 3-tech off the stunt. TE Max Wright fan blocks the OLB. Johnson takes the handoff and runs straight to the field A-gap. Since no one picks up the MLB, he makes the tackle. Result of the play is a 5 yard gain.
The dual stunts by New Mexico confused the blocking, but the smooth running by Johnson made this a positive play. L.J. Johnson runs inside zone for 5 yards and keeps the offense on schedule.