Playbooks
Breakdown
Mtn HB Draw is a delayed run concept out of Shotgun Cluster HB Str with 11 personnel, using pre-snap motion to shift the backfield look before the snap. The diagram shows two outside receivers on each side pushing vertical stems to hold the safeties and corners deep while the offensive line sells pass protection before opening running lanes for the delayed handoff. This is a run play designed to beat aggressive pass rush and blitz-heavy defenses, with the primary read being the interior gaps as the line settles into its draw blocks and the runner presses the hole created by the second-level flow.
Defensive Reads
Key the middle linebacker depth at the snap, since a fast downhill read from the Mike linebacker can blow up the draw before it develops. Watch for defensive ends and tackles that stay disciplined in their rush lanes rather than crashing upfield, as disciplined rushers close the draw lanes quickly. If the safeties are playing deep quarters or two high looks, expect the underneath defenders to sit and react to the running back instead of biting on the vertical routes. User linebackers who spy or delay their blitz can sit in the draw lane and make an easy tackle for a loss. Look for man coverage defenders trailing the vertical stems, since this pulls extra defenders away from the box and away from the primary draw lane.
Usage Tips
Use the pre-snap motion to identify if the defense is in man or zone before the snap, since a defender following the motion man confirms man coverage and opens up the draw even more.
Call this on early downs or in second and long situations when the defense expects a dropback pass based on the four vertical releases in the diagram.
Pair Mtn HB Draw with Verticals or Post Curls from the same Cluster HB Str set so the defense respects the vertical stems and stays honest, making the draw hit harder later in a series.
Avoid calling this against defenses sitting in a two high shell with linebackers reading run first, since the extra defender in the box can clog the interior lanes.
If the defense shows blitz pre-snap, trust the draw action since blitzing linebackers and defensive backs will overrun the play and create bigger creases for the running back.
