Every coach has heard the term a thousand times – ‘Get the ball to your playmaker.’
Raymond Webber is a playmaker. The just graduated wide receiver from the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff is now on the roster of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. When Coach Jerry Mack joined the UAPB staff in 2010, he watched tape of Webber and knew defenses would key on him on just about every play. But Mack’s priority was still to do everything possible to get Webber the ball. Each offensive meeting during the season consisted of direct or indirect ways of getting him the ball – various quarterback progressions, specific plays designed for Webber, and formations that would create the best mismatches.
In this issue of GS, Coach Mack details what UAPB did to be creative and get Webber the football. Each defense included a different wrinkle weekly so the UAPB coaches tried different formations for each game. Webber, at times, lined up as a tight end, wide receiver, and running back. Each one was designed to disguise a play or create the best possible mismatch for the All-American. The results – Webber led the nation in receiving with 101 receptions and 1,429 receiving yards. He becomes the third SWAC player to catch over 100 passes in a season. He’s in pretty good company – the other player is Jerry Rice who accomplished it twice.
This issue of GS also includes what we could call our first ‘Point-Counterpoint.’ On page 6, Desmond Lindsey, the wide receivers coach at the University of West Alabama, details the ways your receivers can overcome press coverage. Then, on page 8, Brad Wilson, the defensive backs coach at Ashland University, discusses the priorities in maximizing press-man coverage for cornerbacks. Depending on your position as an offensive or defensive coach, it should be entertaining reading.
As always, we welcome your comments
an hope you enjoy this issue of GS.
Respectfully,
Rex Lardner
Managing Editor