Caleb Corrill | Offensive Coordinator, Georgetown College
Presented by Lauren’s First and Goal Foundation
Every offense talks about attacking vertically — but few build it systematically. For Caleb Corrill, Offensive Coordinator at Georgetown College, creating vertical shots isn’t about adding more deep concepts; it’s about integrating them into what you already do.
“We’re not calling four verts or deep choice every series,” Corrill said. “This is about understanding what your base concepts are — whether it’s RPO, quick game, or perimeter screens — and building vertical answers off those when the defense tells you it’s time.”
That last phrase — when the defense tells you — is key. Corrill’s philosophy blends patience with aggression. His offense stretches the field sideline to sideline and gap to gap, but always with the mentality to chase from where the ball is spotted to the back of the end zone.
Philosophy: Throw to Score, Run to Win
Corrill’s mantra is simple but misunderstood: “Throw to score, run to win.”
Many assume this means a pass-first identity. It doesn’t. His last offense threw the ball 52% of the time and ran it 48% of the time. The balance is intentional — most explosive plays still come off the run.
“A lot of your best shot plays are built off the run,” Corrill said. “You have to control the C-gap to C-gap and win running the football. But you also have to be ready to take advantage when the defense gives you leverage.”
That balance is what allows his offense to maintain efficiency — he values explosive play rate (one every 5–5.5 snaps) but refuses to chase empty deep balls. “Efficiency over empty vertical shots,” he says.
Creating Advantageous One-on-Ones
Every play designer looks for one-on-ones. Corrill wants advantageous one-on-ones. It’s not enough to isolate a receiver and throw a fade — that’s just math. The art is in manipulating coverage and structure to put your best players in leverage positions where they can’t be doubled or bracketed.
“A play designer’s job is to create one-on-ones,” Corrill said. “But not all one-on-ones are created equal. We want the kind where leverage and matchup are both in our favor.”
This mindset guides how Corrill sequences plays, uses formations, and times his calls. Just as calling a six-man run into a seven-man box is bad football, calling a shot into drop coverage is bad play-calling. The defense dictates the opportunity — and the call sheet must be ready for it.
The Mentality: Anywhere, Anytime
When should you call a shot?
“Anywhere, anytime,” Corrill says.
That doesn’t mean reckless aggression. It means readiness.
Whether backed up on the minus-one or sitting just outside the red zone, if the defense presents vertical space, his offense is prepared to take advantage of it.
Letting the defense know you will take a shot — at least once per drive or once per quarter — has its own effect. It forces safeties to stay honest and linebackers to hesitate in fits. Corrill calls that “aggressive control.”
Protecting Base Concepts
Corrill’s offense is built around adaptability. Every base concept — run or pass — is protected
and complemented by a vertical component.
The goal is to make every play capable of attacking all parts of the field. That approach prevents
tendencies, helps protect against overload pressures, and gives quarterbacks the freedom to
progress naturally.
“We want our concepts to have the ability to attack all parts of the field,” Corrill said. “Protect the
base. Build off it. Then let your playmakers make plays.”
Let the Playmakers Play
Some weeks, the verticals won’t connect. Other weeks, one receiver might dominate. Either way, Corrill doesn’t apologize for taking what the defense gives him.
“If you’ve got a matchup you believe you can exploit — do it and keep doing it. Make the defense stop you.”
That aggressive consistency defines his offensive identity — controlled risk built on a clear philosophy and disciplined design.
Key Takeaway
Vertical shots aren’t about taking chances. They’re about building calculated aggression into your offense.
By protecting foundational concepts, teaching advantageous one-on-one plays, and staying prepared for leverage-based opportunities, Corrill’s system creates explosive plays without sacrificing efficiency.
“Score fast, score often — but always with purpose.”
— Caleb Corrill
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