Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Mtn Escort HB Base is a run play out of the Shotgun Bunch TE Wk formation that uses pre-snap motion to bring a receiver across the formation before the snap, shifting numbers toward the play side. Up front the line fires out in a base blocking scheme, escorting the HB through the designated dive lane as shown by the red run path attacking the interior gap. This is a straightforward run concept designed to hit downhill quickly, with the primary read being the HB following his blockers through the initial gap and working off the first level flow of the defense before deciding to cut backside if the frontside gap gets clogged.
Defensive Reads
Watch the box count before the snap, if the defense has six or more in the box this run play becomes tougher to execute so lean on the pass concepts in this set instead. Key the linebacker depth and flow, if they are crashing hard toward the motion this is a strong indicator of man coverage or a run blitz look. Identify any nano blitz packages by checking for defensive linemen or linebackers shading heavily toward the bunch side, this can disrupt the escort blocking before it forms. User the play side linebacker manually to fill the dive lane and force the HB to bounce outside where pursuit can clean up the tackle. Against zone shells with safeties sitting deep, spy the middle linebacker since he is the key run fit defender who can blow up this concept if left unblocked.
Usage Tips
Use the pre-snap motion to identify man versus zone before the snap, if the defender follows the motion man across the formation you are almost certainly seeing man coverage which opens up run lanes against light boxes.
Call this on early downs or short yardage when you need positive, controlled yardage rather than a home run shot.
Snap the ball as soon as the motion settles to catch the defense before they can fully reset their run fits.
Pair this with Mtn Escort PA Slide and Mtn Escort Insert X-Out from the same set to keep defenders honest, since the identical initial action disguises whether you are running or throwing off play action.
Trust your blockers and stay patient behind the line, letting the escort blocking develop before committing to a gap so you do not run into your own linemen.
