Vols Defensive Alignment

[37620VOL]

OP makes good observations. 4-2-5 is the personnel, and I'd estimate 80% of the time we use 4 down linemen, but there's a lot of flexibility within that personnel and there are several special packages that we use, such as short yardage or pass rush situations. Ignoring the special packages, Leo can play off the line or drop into coverage showing 3-3-5, or Star can play a 3rd LB role showing 4-3-4. Often our safeties show up around the LOS, so out of the same personnel group there are a lot of flexible looks that Banks throws at the opposing offense.

Looking at the roles of the two LBs, last year it seemed like Beasley (targetted 28 times in coverage) was more of a run stuffer and Banks (36 times) was the guy that played coverage. From the UVA game I'm not sure that is carrying over to this year. All the LBs were targeted in coverage equally.

 

[Vol865]

Leo is basically a weak side DE. Structurally speaking we resemble a 4-2-5 most of the time. 3-3-5 usually has LBs stacked or in like a 7 technique, while the DL is usually a 0 tech NT and two 4 tech or 4i DEs.