Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Texas out of Pro Split Backs 21 personnel is a play-action style pass concept built around the Texas route (the angle route out of the backfield) paired with a deep out breaking route. The HB releases to the flat then angles back across the middle for the Texas route, the FB releases up and out to the flat opposite side, and both outside receivers push vertical before the X breaks outside on a deep out while the Z runs a corner route up the sideline. This is a man beater first, using the HB angle route to isolate a linebacker in space, with the corner route serving as a zone beater against off coverage or split safety shells.
Defensive Reads
Key the linebackers at the snap, if they immediately widen with the HB angle route you are likely facing man coverage and should sit back to defend the flat first. Watch for a user linebacker spying the middle of the field, since the HB Texas route is designed to exploit exactly that vacated area if the defender bites on the flat fake. Identify single high versus two high safety shells before the snap, a single high look invites the outside vertical routes to hold the safety while the Texas concept works underneath. Post-snap, track the flat defender on the corner route side, if he sinks too deep into the flat the underneath window for the HB opens up immediately. Diagnose blitz packages by checking if the defense is bringing extra rushers off the edge, since that often leaves the HB uncovered on the angle route for a quick answer against pressure.
Usage Tips
Read the flow of the linebackers pre-snap to see if they are sitting in shallow zones or showing man alignment on the HB out of the backfield.
Against man coverage, the HB angle route is your first read since it creates a natural pick and separation against linebackers who struggle in space.
If the defense shows a two high safety shell, work the deep out from the X and the corner route from the Z since those attack the void between the flat defender and the deep half safety.
Use hot routes to convert the FB flat route into a check release if you are facing a heavy blitz look, giving your quarterback an extra blocker and a quick outlet.
Pair this play with Curl Flat or Quick Outs from the same formation to keep the defense guessing between quick game and the deeper Texas concept, then mix in HB Off Tackle or FB Belly to hold linebackers on run fits before coming back to this pass.
