Continuity in offensive line blocking assignments is a huge key to consistency up front.

For Jared Hottle, an assistant coach at Dakota State University, one of the keys to juggling tempo with consistent blocking schemes is the use of a Mike Point system.

This allows Hottle’s offensive unit, which often comes out in 11 personnel, to operate its core offense with a bit of tempo.

But it starts with the center identifying the Mike linebacker through a system that Hottle learned second-hand from former Illinois head coach Bill Cubit.

For certain plays (and against certain fronts), the offensive line will memorize the blocking scheme for that scenario.

It comes down to the center being able to identify and call out the Mike linebacker to allow the rest of the offense to understand their blocking assignments.

For example, when Hottle’s squad is running outside zone, one of the team’s top offensive plays, the backside outside backer is the Mike. The center calls him out to alert the rest of the players on the line.

“The center is telling the o-line that’s where his combo is working to,” he said.

When the team is running that strong, it will also have a tight end combo as well.

It’s a lot of information to process in a short amount of time and places the success of the team’s execution large on the shoulders of the center.

“The center needs to be very smart. He needs to make pinpoint, quick decisions,” Hottle said.

Hottle also utilizes certain trigger words that further describe how the blocking will unfold, such as whether it will be punch-and-go or whether the linemen will stay on blocks longer.

“It’s helped us standardize our plays and standardize our fronts.”

Of course, it’s important that the defense calls out the Mike on every single play—not just rushing plays. Otherwise, the defense can quickly determine when a team plans to pass the ball.

Hottle actually will use the Mike Point system in certain passing plays as well, helping uncovered offensive linemen know their responsibilities on blitz pick up.

COACHES' NOTES: 5 one-word play calls to reach maximum tempo

While it takes some getting used to for the players, Hottle believes it pays huge dividends.

“It’s gold,” he said. “I really think it’s a good thing for us.”

Listen to the full interview with Hottle on the USA Football Coach and Coordinator podcast.