As we move through the early season, understanding how we continue to evolve and build around what we established in camp can be a challenge. We have to ask ourselves how much more can this team handle. Are they ready for the next step in the progression? How much do we know about this opponent that we can adjust to or add a wrinkle for? While we will have some data to work off of in the early weeks, we need to remember that the opponent is going through that early season evolution as well. As you will hear today, it goes back to the teaching methods we used in camp and the fundamentals that we established a few weeks back even though it seems like a distant memory as the urgency of the season hits. Today we will hear from Utah Defensive Coordinator Morgan Scalley, Heidelberg University Defensive Coordinator Branden Jakubcin, High School Defensive Coordinator John Rice, and the Defensive Coordinator of the defending D3 National Champion North Central College Shane Dierking. They give us insight into the approach they take to preparing for an early-season opponent, adding wrinkles, and making adjustments. Show Notes: Morgan Scalley, DC, Utah It is always about fundamentals Upper-classmen lead the way A good team can step back and be sound in the fundamentals Branden Jakubcin, DC, Heidelberg University. The teaching process that was used in camp and how that applies all year long. Process for thinking about the opponent Layering in concepts that were installed in camp John Rice , DC, San Jacinto HS. Taking it slow allows them to do more Thoughts on getting new ideas in-season How he thinks about fitting those into what they do Shane Dierking, DC, North Central College A coach must always be ready for adjustments. Looking at what answers they have available The process of organizing potential adjustments for game day Related: Shane Dierking Manipulating Gaps to Limit Explosives An Obsession with Learning and Growing Plus Coaching the 4-2-5 Resources: Shane Dierking Defending Empty Formations Manipulating Gaps John Rice Intro to Split Safety Coverage Branden Jakubcin Tackling, Turnover & Pursuit Drills Defensive Fundamentals Circuits Utilizing Rip/Liz Match Coverage out of the 3-4 Tite Front as your Base Winning Money Downs using Different Personnel Groupings Attacking the Offense with Stunts and Blitzes out of the 3-4 Tite Front Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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