Back on March 18, Eric Carr noted in this TSL Pass article that Bud Foster may elect to play more zone coverages this year. Eric was correct. Foster told the media on Tuesday afternoon that he planned to get back to more zone in 2016.
“We’re playing a little bit more zone coverage, probably,” Foster noted about the spring practice.
Tech’s long-time defensive coordinator has always been known for his ability to mix up coverages and confuse opposing quarterbacks. That’s one of this greatest strengths as a coach. Unfortunately, he couldn’t use that strength as much in recent seasons, especially in 2015, because of the youth in the secondary. It’s much easier to teach freshmen to play man-coverage. They can often get lost in zone defenses.
“I don’t think it will be any different to me,” cornerback Greg Stroman said. “It’s still football.”
Foster noted that r-senior safety Der’Woun Greene has been limited for the last couple of years because man coverage is his weakness. He played quite a bit of free safety as a r-freshman in 2013, but hasn’t seen much time on defense since. With more zone coverages, there could be an opportunity for Greene to get on the field.
“I think [playing zone] will benefit all of us,” Greene said. “Playing a lot of man to man, you depend on the defensive line a lot more. Playing zone, they depend on us.”
With Greg Stroman, Adonis Alexander and Terrell Edmunds advancing into their sophomore seasons, the secondary is expected to be able to run a more variety of coverages. Edmunds in particular has had a very good camp.
“The guy in the back end that is really stick out right now is Terrell Edmunds,” Foster said. “He’s playing our rover spot. Just very active, very physical…I’ve been real pleased with that move.
Starters on Special Teams
In the 1990s, Virginia Tech was noted for strong special teams units that were made up of many starters. Guys like Keion Carpenter and Corey Moore took as much pride in their special teams performances as they did in their defensive play. Look for the Hokies to get back to that type of football under Justin Fuente and new special teams coach James Shibest.
“We’re not going to sacrifice people unless they are ready to go play in open space,” Shibest said. “The thing about special teams is you’re dealing with a lot of open space. There’s a lot of field out there to cover. It takes good athletes.”
Shibest should know what he’s talking about. His special teams at Memphis and Ole Miss ranked amongst the nation’s best in efficiency. Here are his numbers since 2008, which was his first season as the Ole Miss special teams coach…
2015: #10
2014: #3
2013: #15
2012: #15
2011: #13
2010: #55
2009: #33
2008: #22
It doesn’t get much better than that. Memphis was in the top 15 in special teams efficiency all four years Shibest was there, and three of his four units at Ole Miss were in the top 33. He’s fielded a top 15 special teams unit in each of his past five seasons as a coach.
“Attention to detail,” Fuente said when asked what makes Shibest such a great coach. “He’s incredibly fundamentally oriented. We drill more fundamentals in special teams more than any place I’ve ever been.”
Fuente went on to note that he won’t shy away from putting starters on special teams.
“Absolutely. It’s a huge part of the game.”
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What is the status of Raymon Minor at LB? Thought he has good size & speed, promising prospect but hear nothing about potential to get on field this year.
You might be hard-pressed to see a difference in coverage looks this year. If he holds to form, Foster (and a bunch of other DCs) likes Cover 4-type looks where the DBs are assigned to defend certain routes more than they are spots on the field. About a quarter-second after the snap it basically becomes man coverage against most plays.
not intended as a dig at all, but are we retiring “Beamer Ball”
How do we know that this group’s emphasis on special teams does not stem from watching CFB’s teams of the late 90’s early 00’s? Beamerball started it all, I don’t think it necessarily has to go away. With Shibest now at the helm, special teams play is going to be a Virginia Tech thing, not just a Frank Beamer thing. JMHO.
At the coaching clinic, Shibest said that the transition to the things he does was fairly seamless b/c the kids already had bought in to the idea of the importance of STs, to which he credited Coach Beamer & his staff. Beamerball will always be part of the fabric that is VT.
Always remember, Coach was the reason the media penned the term “Beamerball”. He was the originator for emphasis on special teams.
I’m guessing that, every time there’s a good play on ST this year, we’ll hear that Beamer Ball is still alive at Tech. And that’s a nice way of providing the public perception of continuity, which is a good thing. But ultimately, I expect the term will eventually fade away. I wonder if CF will continue with Pride and Joy?
I think it is a natural progression to drop the term….as much as i am a HUGE Frank Beamer guy, he isn’t the coach this year…NOW, it may take 20-30 years to get the national media to stop talking about Beamer Ball.
I don’t care what we call it..i just WANT IT BACK!
Greg Stroman will be a junior. Love ya CC.
It will be great to see special teams regain their special top level play.
So many impressive Hokies! Williams! McClease is incredibly poised and articulate for (still) a college freshman!
They make me very proud!