Info on Hybrid Apache LB

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IrishAZ

Well-known member
I thought this was a very nice article about the Apache Linebacker. If you're not familiar with it, it's a sort of Spur/Rover hybrid that a few schools are using.

I ran across this article because Rick Minter is bringing it to ND from South Carolina. It's a good explanation though, so I figured the XO-geeks on the board would dig it. :)

Apache Linebacker - from BG Sky Blog

IRISH!

 
I think Apache can line up on either side, but tends towards the strong side. The SS would be the weak-side threat and can move up to blitz or drop back into coverage as needed.

I think this is almost like having an additional SS only with more bulk - someone that's not expected to be a run-stopper but quick enough to cover a RB in a pass route, cover under a WR and big enough to take on a TE and be an occasional rush blitzer.

Seems like, if you don't have the interior linemen this could leave a defense susceptible to a power running game (though the perimeter would be more closed if the Apache can shake a TE block). so I suspect it's designed for more pass defense.

IRISH!

 
I simply see it as having two SS in the game at once. You give it a different name so they know which side to line up on. The most important thing with these positions is finding the athlete to play it. To be versatile and athletic enough to stop a 230lb RB and be quick enough to track down a 170lb WR.

 
One thing that could confuse this defense or at least get players out of position is having a running back motion to the side with two recievers already on when the blitz was originally called from that side. Hot reads to the back or the inside reciever would be pretty dangerous to the defense. It would probally depend alot on the lineup up front from the d-line and the lineup of the inside backers. But then again, a blitz in any formation could be dangerous.

 
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