DIAGRAM 1: Right Flex, Lead Draw Pass (Vs. 2-Deep Secondary). The Lead-Draw Pass has been versatile in our offense in recent years. Our success with this is due to the minor route adjustments our receivers can make and the slight changes in the read progressions that our QB can make to attack any defensive coverage. Against a 2-deep secondary, the QB gets his eyes on the Strong Safety immediately at the snap.
The entire read progression for the QB on this play depends on his key read of the Strong Safety. We tell our QB that the Strong Safety will “tell him” where to throw based on his reactions and movements against 2-deep coverage. The QB’s progression is as follows: 1) If the SS stays, then throw to the wheel route. 2) If the SS drops to cover the post route, then throw to the dig route. 3) If the SS widens to cover the wheel route, then read a progression from the post to the dig route.
DIAGRAM 2: Right Flex, Lead Draw Pass “Lefty.” On this pass play, we utilize “fan” protection on the LOS and the backs run “check-hooks” at the Sam and Will LBs. In our base lead-draw play, receiver X runs a dig route, receiver Y runs the wheel route and Z runs a skinny post route to the near upright, above the FS. The QB keys on the FS’s actions immediately following the snap.
We add diversity to the lead-draw series by adjusting the routes with a “Lefty” call. The double-break corner by X is a great route to beat man coverage.
—Mike Mizer, Quarterback Coach,
Columbia Central High School,
Columbia, Tenn.