This document outlines the philosophy and strategies of secondary coach Richan Gaskins. It emphasizes the importance of physicality, fundamentals, discipline and mental toughness. The defense prioritizes turnovers, discipline, and tackling. Daily drills focus on coverage drops, man techniques, and quick feet. Retaining players requires developing relationships, maximizing offseason development, and mentoring players on and off the field.

1. Richan Gaskins
Secondary Coach

2. Position Philosophy
Preparation + Physicality =SUCCESS!
 Consistently perfecting the fundamentals of your position,
understanding the concepts of our defense strategy, knowing your
opponent, and being a tireless student of the game will have us in
the best position to win.
1. Make every receiver feel your presence!
2. Eliminate the opponents’ five favorite passing plays
3. Only allow the most difficult throw possible
4. Establish Your Physicality EARLY
5. Cut branches off of the passing tree

4. » Our defense is built around players who possess four primary attributes:
» MENTAL TOUGHNESS
» OUTSANDING WORK ETHIC
» PHYSICAL CONDITIONING
» COACHABILITY
» We believe these are characteristics that every player can develop and improve upon,
regardless of the individual’s talent level.
» These attributes are the foundation for our style of play. We will be recognized and
known for our:
» EXCELLENT TECHNIQUE AND FUNDAMENTALS
» RELENTLESS ATTACKING AND PURSUIT OF THE FOOTBALL
» PHYSICAL AND PUNISHING TACKLING
» DISCIPLINE/ALIGNMENT
» OUTSTANDING PHYSICAL CONDITIONING

5. » DEFENSIVE PRIORITIES
» Turnovers We will create on average 3 turnovers per game with our attacking and
aggressive style of play. We will work fundamentals every day that force turnovers and
create a short field for our offense.
» Discipline We will be recognized as a disciplined defense. We will do what we are
coached to do on each and every play. Discipline in practice will enable us to develop
good habits.
» Tackling We will be the best tackling team in America. By repping the fundamentals
every day in practice we will punish ball carriers and. develop the attitude necessary of
a Physical Defensive Football Team.
» Our practice and preparation each day will reflect and reinforce the commitment to our
approach on defense. It will take a great effort each and every day from everyone
involved in our program to distinguish ourselves as the best defense in the country.

6. Stance
Base (Press):
Feet Even
Flat Back
Hands Up
Loose
Speed (Off):
Foot to Instep
Start
Read Step:
Slow, Recognizing Play
Smooth Pedal
Alignment
Inside Shade
Outside Foot on WR
inside foot
Outside Shade:
Inside foot splitting WR
down the middle
Training the EYES to key the HIPS

7. EDDs (Everyday Drills)
EDDs align with practice plan and focus on skills needed for
development
1. Cover 2 Drops
 Press, Sit, Soft
2. Cover 3 Drops
 Press, Sit
3. Mirror Drills (Man Coverage)
4. Cover 4 Drops
 Palms, Box, Area
5. Jam Drills
 With Release, with Release

8. Quick Feet Drill
˃ Moving feet over and back
line
˃ Teaching to Plant foot and
Explode OUT, Drive Through
Hip Drill
˃ Opening Hips and Sprinting
˃ Breaking on hip movement
˃ Reactive Athleticism
˃ Remaining square until WR
commits
Mirror Drill
> Hands Behind Back
> Quick, short lateral step
> Maintaining Initial Alignment (inside/outside)
> Maintain “Cliff” – Never losing ground, staying parallel
> TRANSFERRING ENERGY FROM EACH FOOT!

9. » Pedal to Transition
˃ Smooth, Quick Feet
˃ Gain ground with short steps
˃ Plant using your WHOLE FOOT
˃ Use your toe as a compass
˃ SMOOTH before FAST
» Drills
˃ Route Tree Breaks (45,90,180)
 Slow Pedal to Fast
 Reacting off HIP MOVEMENT
˃ Stop & Go
 Eyes on Hips, Hand on Hip
 Front Shoulder to Back Shoulder
 Breaking as the WR breaks
˃ Flip Drill
 Opening Hips in Transition
 Locating Ball in & Out of breaks

10. » Off-Man
˃ Inside Leverage
˃ Slow Read Step (ID play/route)
˃ Maintain leverage and Cushion
(combat Stem)
˃ Nullify 3-step
˃ Man-Turn once cushion has been
threatened
» PRESS
˃ RE-ROUTE. (Jams or Alignment)
˃ Jam with FEET, not hands
˃ Jab, not haymakers
˃ Before Ball is in the Air, Hip &Top Shoulder
˃ Play the Man until he declares
+ Wide Eyes = Play the Ball
» Man Drills
˃ Weave Drill

11. Retaining
Players you
Sign
Developing
your Position
Recruiting the Right
Players
Nose to the Grind!
Developing a relationship
Learn about them beyond the
field
Not being a “who else offered
you” recruiter
Maximizing use of time offseason
Film Study, Conversations
Being a Mentor to Players
Know who they are off the field
Know their financial situation
Be accessible, ready to serve