Shawn Glosek, Offensive Coordinator at Washington & Jefferson, has developed a precise approach to attacking the boundary, leveraging defensive tendencies and creating quick, efficient gains. In a recent conversation on the Coach and Coordinator Podcast, he shared his thoughts on how he and his staff use boundary plays to keep defenses off balance and maximize offensive efficiency.
Identifying Defensive Weaknesses
Glosek emphasized the importance of reading the defense to identify opportunities. One of his primary strategies involves targeting areas where the defense may not be overplaying the boundary.
“If they are not overplaying the boundary, what can we do to attack that specific area? It’s just shorter and quicker and happens faster,” Glosek noted. He explained that the shorter field provided by the boundary often allows for faster play execution, making it difficult for defenses to adjust quickly.
The Role of Boundary RPOs and Quick Game Passing
One of the key components of Glosek’s boundary attack is his use of boundary RPOs (Run-Pass Options) and quick-game passing concepts. These plays allow the quarterback to make rapid decisions based on the alignment and positioning of the defense.
“We do run a ton of RPOs into the boundary, whether it’s glances, tight ends in the flat, or quick curl-flat concepts,” Glosek said. He also emphasized the importance of manipulating defensive alignment with formations into the boundary. “If you don’t over-adjust into the boundary, then we’re just going to hit you on it all day.”
By getting the back or tight end involved in boundary plays, Glosek ensures that his offense can take advantage of defensive mismatches and steal easy yards.
Leveraging Four Verticals into the Boundary
One of Glosek’s favorite passing concepts is running four verticals (four verts) from a formation into the boundary (FIB). This play is designed to capitalize on the way defenses adjust to the number three receiver.
“One of my personal favorites from a drop-back perspective is going FIB into the boundary and running four verts,” Glosek shared. “The way people trade off number three and handle number three are a little bit different, but we do a really good job with number two sitting in that little seam window, and we can just bang that accordingly.”
The speed and compressed space of the boundary make it challenging for defenses to cover all the receivers, creating quick windows for the quarterback to exploit.
Coaching the Boundary Attack
Glosek emphasized that teaching proper receiver releases and maintaining landmarks are crucial to the success of boundary plays. He explained that younger receivers often struggle to hit their landmarks, but precise coaching can help them avoid getting knocked off course.
“We teach the number two receiver the easiest second-level release,” he explained. “If he’s playing heavy outside leverage, we run through the inside shoulder and work off the safety. If he’s heavy inside, we attack the outside shoulder to get the overhang defender to flip his hips, then clear and get our head around.”
This coaching philosophy ensures that receivers are always in the right position to make a play, particularly in quick-developing boundary concepts.
Quarterback Keys for Success
Glosek also shared the importance of the quarterback’s role in executing these plays. Since boundary plays tend to develop more quickly, the quarterback must read the defense and make decisions without hesitation.
“We don’t necessarily have to hitch through four verts from the boundary,” Glosek explained. “He can hit his third step, see number two clear, and bend it in front of the safety. The ball comes out fast, and it’s very difficult for the defense to react in time.”
Glosek also gives his quarterbacks flexibility in certain situations, providing them with a “menu” of route options based on the defense’s alignment. This allows them to make adjustments on the fly, ensuring the offense can adapt to whatever the defense presents.
Boundary-Centric Strategy
Shawn Glosek’s boundary attack is helps them with efficiency and exploiting defensive weaknesses. By combining quick-developing RPOs, vertical passing concepts, and precise coaching, he ensures that his offense is always in a position to move the chains. As Glosek puts it, “If you don’t overplay the boundary, we’ll just keep hitting you there all day.”
This boundary-centric strategy continues to play a key role in Glosek’s offensive success, providing his team with the tools they need to consistently put pressure on opposing defenses.
D3 Coordinator of the Week
Shawn Glosek was name the Coach and Coordinator D3 Offensive Coordinator of the Week presented by Hansen Ratings. The Presidents put up stats that offensive coordinators dream about. W&J is led by head coach Mike Sirianni. The offensive assistants are Sam Bubonics, Bob Jazwinski, Steve Spence, Gerald Peterson, and Casey Williams.
Notable Stats
Shawn Glosek | Washington & Jefferson | 73-21 vs. Geneva
- Never punted, turned ball over, failed a 4th down conversion
- Scored every possession (TD on first 9 possessions)
- 26 first downs (13 each passing/rushing)
- 565 yards on nearly 10 yards per play
- 9 different players rushed the ball and 9 different players caught passes
