The fastest Linebacker is the one who sees it first.

Linebackers: People might be telling you you’re too small. Don’t listen. Instead: Study the game. Master the fundamentals. Play with a relentless motor. Do that, and you’ll silence all the critics.

When it comes to Linebacker READS… I do believe the Triangle Read is best. But ANY type of read can work. As long as the players know: 1. Where to look 2. What they’ll see 3. How to react Once a Linebacker understands all three, they understand their READ.

I’ve been coaching Linebackers for over 16 years. If you’re a young Linebacker coach, read this: 1. Great Linebackers come in all shapes and sizes. Don’t judge a book by its cover. 2. On the first day of Training Camp, start with stance and movement. Everything else flows from there. 3. Pick one type of read and get really, really good at it. 4. Don’t overcomplicate the techniques. Show them what to do with their feet, their hips, their hands, and their eyes. 5. Aggression comes from confidence. 6. Learning how to TEACH is more important than learning Xs and Os. 7. Every drill needs a defined starting point and a defined ending point. 8. Drill the fundamentals until they’re completely automatic. Then drill them some more. 9. Patience is a superpower. 10. You can never work the eyes enough. 11. Pre-practice is a good time to work reads. 12. Learn how to run a good meeting. 13. Wherever possible: Simplify. 14. Be prepared. Plan your practices down to the minute. And always have a few extra drills ready. 15. Teach more than one type of block destruction move. The players need a toolbox. 16. Every drill should have a smooth rotation. Maximize your reps. 17. Don’t just have the players memorize the plays. Make sure they understand the concepts. 18. Don’t forget to work angles, leverage, and space. 19. It’s a game. Enjoy your work.

Elite Linebackers pursue to the whistle.

Linebackers: Some blocks you destroy. Some blocks you avoid. Know the difference. Master both.

Elite Linebackers don’t rely on speed. They rely on angles, leverage, and footwork. Chase the right things.

Sure… Linebacker is a PHYSICAL position. But it’s also about: Studying film. Reading plays quickly. Outsmarting your opponent. Elite Linebackers play smart so they can play fast.