No other offense creates a team’s identity more than the triple option. Some see it as archaic as teams are throwing the ball all over the field today. But similar to Army and Navy, Kennesaw State has built not only an identity, but a Division I FCS powerhouse program through its use of the inside veer. KSU has opened up their offense and found great creativity, but offensive coordinator Grant Chesnut says “getting the inside veer to go is still job No. 1 each week.”

Having the opportunity to talk about Kennesaw State’s signature play with Coach Chesnut gave me a clear vision why they are so great at it. Coach said he sells the coaching staff’s vision and a common dream built on this play. The following is how Coach Chesnut would install the “all-weather” play with an answer to any question his players could ask.

RELATED CONTENT: Defending the Option: Midline, Veer and Dive Option

The Count

The first part of the play, you must be able to identify the keys. Kennesaw State uses a count system like many option teams. The dive key is No. 1 and that is the first player on or outside the tackle. This player will remain unblocked. The pitch key is No. 2 and is the first player on or outside No. 1. Again, the No. 2 in the count does not get blocked. The quarterback is responsible for Nos. 1 and 2. Coach Chesnut also speaks of the importance of identifying No. 3, the run support player. This is the player that the A-back is responsible for and one of the tougher blocks in the offense. Going along with identifying No. 3 is defining the deep defender as well. This will be the player the PSWR blocks.

The other player that needs to be neutralized is the action key. This is the first player inside of No. 1. In a 4-front defense and in the diagram below, this is the defensive tackle. The PSG and center need to vertically remove the action key. Coach Chestnut prides the Owls offense on getting downhill with “great hat speed” and coming off the ball with a shock and awe mentality.

Play-side wide receiver

The PSWR has the deep defender. The receiver needs to push off the ball and block the deep defender. In a Cover 3 look, as the PSWR runs off the ball, the 1/3 field corner should stay over the top and that becomes the player to block. In Cover 2, the half field safety can be the deep defender with the corner staying low to provide run support. The PSWR and A-back need to work in unison to ensure both deep defender and run support players are blocked.

A-backs

The play side A-back has the responsibility to block No. 3, the run support player. In a 2-high look, the run support could either be the play-side safety or the corner. In this case, the PSA-back will drop step at the snap with his outside foot cross over and arc. He will read the block of the PSWR. When the PSWR goes to the deep defender, the A-back can identify the run support player, run to that players outside shoulder and break down, punch and drive his feet through the defender.

In a Cover 3 look, where the run support player is in the middle of the field, the A-back’s path will change to a load scheme where the path is off of the read to get to run support.

The back-side A-back is the pitch man. He will leave in motion on the call of don-ready-set-hut. The path will be through the feet of the B-back. When the A-Back gets there, take a path parallel to the line of scrimmage and get in position to take a parallel pitch from the QB. When the QB turns up field the A-back does the same to always remain in pitch relationship.

Play-side offensive line

The PST will veer past No. 1. In many cases, if there is a 5-technique and a shade or 2i, the PST will veer inside the read by latterly taking a T-step inside and ripping vertical to the Mike linebacker. In a load scheme, if the Mike has run over the top, the tackle will continue to the FS. The guard on the play side has to block the action key. Coach Chesnut says, “It is the guard’s job to define the path for the B-back”. In order to do this, there needs to be vertical push. A stalemate does not define the path, and in the case of a give read, the B-back has nowhere to go. The guard needs to communicate and call for the center to help double team the action key if he cannot get the block on his own. The center will step play side and help double the action key if need be or secure the A-gap and seek out the second level.

Backside offensive line

The backside offensive linemen will always scoop. Each of them will step flat to the play side and secure the play-side gap, working to the next level.

Quarterback and B-back

The QB is going to hop into the A-gap, point the ball and get eyes on the dive key (in most cases the DE). It is important for the QB to step play side with their first step and get the second step down as quickly as possible in a parallel line with the B-back’s path. The QB will then hand the ball to the B-back unless the dive key can tackle the B-back. The QB only has until the ball gets to the front hip to decide this. If it is a pull, the QB seats the ball, steps with the play-side foot again, replaces the read and goes to score unless No. 2 can tackle him. If No. 2 can tackle the QB, the QB will parallel pitch to the A-back, who will then get the ball and travel on a hash, numbers and sideline path to score.

The B-back aligns four yards off the ball and takes a stance with a lot of weight on his hand. On the snap of the ball the B-back aims at the inside leg of the guard and stays on a track that is defined by the block of the guard. He will get the ball unless the QB reads that No. 1 can tackle the B-back. Getting the exchange and fighting for tough yards are the key to success.

RELATED CONTENT: Coach and Coordinator podcast: Ken Niumatalolo (5/22/17)

Inside Veer Cut-Ups

Clips Courtesy of Kennesaw State Football.

Terry Donovan is a Master Trainer for USA Football’s Heads Up Football program. He is the offensive coordinator. quarterbacks and B-backs coach for Kasson-Mantorville High School in Kasson, Minnesota. He has coached with the U.S. National Team Program. He also serves as a youth coach and director of youth development in the Kasson-Mantorville Youth Football Association.