On this episode of Deep Dive on Defense, University of Incarnate Word (Texas) linebackers coach Brandon Lechtenberg joins guest host Chris Vasseur to discuss details on defending the RPO as well as how defenses have evolved their strategies as the use of RPO has expanded to every level of football.

Brandon Lechtenberg joined the University of the Incarnate Word football staff in the spring of 2018. He is the special teams coordinator and linebackers coach.
 
Lechtenberg helped coach one of the best turnarounds in the FCS in 2018 as the Cardinals went from a 1-10 overall record in 2017 to a 6-4 regular season mark that included a Southland Conference Championship and an FCS Playoff berth.
 
Following the conclusion of UIW’s regular season, the Cardinals led the FCS with 29 turnovers gained. UIW recorded at least one turnover in every game played, including the playoffs, for the first time in program history. The turnover streak sits at 12 consecutive games heading into the 2019 season.

Lechtenberg has served on the staffs at UT Martin (Tenn.), Millsaps College (Miss.) and Texas Christian University where he learned Gary Patterson’s 4-2-5 defense. Prior to coaching at the college level, he coached at Central City and North Star High School in Nebraska.

00:00 - Intro

02:15 - Coaching journey

05:18 - Experience at TCU

08:18 - Power read

11:38 - Last year at TCU

13:22 - Millsaps

21:05 - Defending RPOs (evolution of the RPO)

33:57 - Defending RPOs (scheme or technique)

38:41 - Cover 4

41:48 - Defending the perimeter

52:59 - Defending all options

55:57 - Running quarterbacks

1:00:21 - Chasing the running back dives

1:07:59 - Defending a 3x1

1:12:23 - Blitzing RPOs

1:23:51 - Slamming the B-gap

1:32:15 - Fourth down stop to win the game

1:33:42 - Outro

  
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Related Content – Podcasts:

Defending RPO – 1 High Structures

Defending RPO – 2 High Structures

Deep Dive on Defense Series:

Simulated Blitzes and Creepers – Patrick Toney

Rip/Liz Coverage  - Kyle Cogan

Three Safeties – Ty Gower

Blitzology – Brian Vaughn

Schematic Transition 3 LBs to 3 Safeties – Adam Gaylor