On this episode of the Coach and Coordinator podcast, we welcome back Coach Eric Mele onto the show. After working at Washington State University for the past five years as the running backs coach and special teams coordinator, Coach Mele was named the running backs coach at Mississippi State this February. Tune in and hear how Coach Mele recruits and develops running backs to fit an air-raid attack. Also learn Coach Mele's thoughts on the changing landscape in special teams. 

3:48 Improving catching for running backs

5:30 Practicing making difficult catches

6:49 Different angles in catch radius

7:54 Converting receivers into running backs

9:10 Three pillars for running backs

11:21 Air-Raid practice schedule for running backs

13:40 Acclimating freshmen running backs into system

15:37 Transitioning backs to air raid

16:56 Becoming a three-down back

17:44 Routes and pass protection

22:29 Building special teams culture

24:07 Productive kickoff return units

26:12 New version of the kickoff 

27:15 Advice for new running backs coaches

28:55 Making drills for game situations

You can follow Coach Mele on Twitter here: @CoachMeleMSU

Related Content: 

- Training Camp Series - Washington St RB Coach Eric Mele: https://soundcloud.com/user-804678956/training-camp-series-washington-st-rb-coach-eric-mele 

Coach and Coordinator Podcast Main Show Links: 

- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-804678956/tracks 

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- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2FMkGaDAACBdFKWXY9WfGs?si=HmE_FNIWQtqOgIDdIWginw 

- Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/usa-football-coach-and-coordinator-podcast

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- Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Ilnxsiopbvaqqu4p3v77g4soope

Check out our systems for skill development in blocking, defeating blocks and tackling at footballdevelopment.com. Follow us daily on Twitter for content and interaction @FBDevCoach and be sure to check out X's and O's analysis at blogs.usafootball.com.