We continue our breakdown of plays in A&M’s pro-option offense with a look at the pin-pull sweep today. Similar to A&M’s Lead Trap, Hammer concept, and Counter, Pin-Pull Sweep involves two pulling lineman. Unlike those other plays, however, the pulling linemen are not predetermined based on the play call in pin-pull sweep.
Play Concept
Pin-pull sweep uses a combination of zone and gap blocking rules. Like zone teams, pin-pull sweep uses covered and uncovered rules. Because it is technically a gap concept, it uses gap rules to ensure pulling lineman are accounted for in the blocking scheme. In a nutshell, whoever is covered or with someone in their backside gap pins the defender with a down block. Any uncovered linemen or without someone in their backside gap pulls playside to block for the sweep.
This is pin-pull sweep run from 11 personnel and TE to the field, so a quad set. All three receivers to the field go vertical and stalk block. TE pins the strongside edge. LT pulls around TE’s block. LG down blocks 1-tech. Center pulls around LG and TE’s pin blocks. RG down blocks 3-tech. RT down blocks weakside edge. LT and C pull and pin any defender inside, sealing them inside. RB meshes with QB and sweeps outside the block of LT and C and runs strongside for the sweep. If a defender widens at the edge, the pulling lineman can kick him outside if they are too wide. Generally, second level defenders and force players try to pinch down to prevent a kickout on power or counter, so sealing inside is an easier matter.
Executing Pin-Pull Sweep
Texas A&M comes out in 11 personnel to the field. Jalen Wydermyer is at in-line TE to the field. Ainias Smith is the inside slot and Moose Muhammad III is the outside slot. Jalen Preston is the field receiver. Zach Calzada is at QB with Devon Achane aligned three years behind him. At the snap, Wydermyer blocks down on the strong edge. LT Jahmir Jones pulls around Wydermyer. LG Kenyon Green pins the 1-tech with a down block. Center Bryce Foster pulls playside. RG Layden Robinson down blocks the 3-tech. RT Reuben Fatheree blocks the backside edge. Smith, Muhammad, and Preston all go vertical to stalk block. Calzada takes the snap and hands off to Achane.
Backside edge Nick Demas is able to meet Wydermeyer’s block with his inside shoulder, keeping his outside shoulder free. Demas is pushing Wydermyer outside, preventing him from setting the edge inside. Johnson is forced to pull wider, sending the playside LB wide. MLB Micah Baskerville tries to cut inside the gap, forcing Foster to seal him inside. Achane sees he can’t go outside, so cuts up outside Foster’s block. Johnson isn’t able to reach PSLB Damone Clark, who spins back to tackle Achane. Result of the play is a 7 yard gain.
Demas’ heads up play prevents the pin-pull from executing successfully. However, Achane’s decision to take what he can and gain yards results in a successful play.