Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
94 Will is a power run out of the Weak I formation in the Close set with 21 personnel, sending the HB downhill off the weak side tackle for a strong off tackle run. The play diagram shows the HB taking a lead path behind the FB and pulling guard, with the offensive line executing down blocks and a kickout at the point of attack to seal the edge. This is a run play built to overpower the front with double team blocks at the point of attack and a lead blocker through the hole, so the primary read is the HB reading the puller and FB lead block to decide whether to hit the hole downhill or bounce outside if the edge gets sealed.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify the strong side linebacker and any overhang defender to the weak side, since 94 Will attacks that edge and needs the puller to win that block. Watch safety alignment before the snap, a single high shell with the free safety sitting deep often signals lighter run support and favors this play. Post-snap, key the play side linebacker's first step, if he crashes hard down the line the puller should kick him out and the HB can bounce outside. User the middle linebacker or strong side backer to spy the pulling guard and fill the alley quickly, this is the most effective way to blow up the timing of the play. Stacked fronts and run blitzes off the edge with a linebacker crashing into the backfield unblocked are the biggest counters, since they beat the puller to the point of attack before the double team can seal the hole.
Usage Tips
Call this on early downs like first and ten or second and short when you want to establish tempo and force the defense to respect gap integrity.
Check the defensive front pre-snap and look for light boxes or six man fronts, since 94 Will thrives when you have a numbers advantage at the point of attack.
User the FB or pulling guard manually to control the lead block and clear the alley defender, this gives you an extra blocker in space versus blitz heavy fronts.
Pair this with FB Dive and HB Gut from the same Weak I Close set to keep the defense honest, since all three hit downhill and force linebackers to stay square before you go to a play-action shot off the same look.
Avoid calling this into stacked eight man boxes or heavy blitz packages without checking to a quick pass, since the extra hat can beat the double team before the puller arrives.
