Jake Schoonover | Special Teams Coordinator, Ole Miss
Presented by Lauren’s First and Goal Foundation
Kickoff as the First Play of Defense
For Jake Schoonover, kickoff coverage coaching football begins with mindset — kickoff is the first defensive snap, not a transition. He grounds his philosophy in accountability, courage, and clarity, guiding players to attack space and time with purpose.
Kickoff is the first play of defense. We want our defense on the field hot—with energy and intent. It starts with that first rep.
The mission: eliminate penalties, control field position, and attack precisely.
Team Goals:
- No penalties
- Keep ball in bounds — no free yards.
- Opponent starts ≤ 25-yard line (touchback or better)
- Kickoff return defense ≤ 18 yards per return
- Aggressive mentality: courage + accountability on every rep
“You have to be courageous to run full speed without knowing what’s coming. You also have to be accountable — because everyone’s job ties together.”
Relationship-Based Coverage
Schoonover coaches kickoff coverage as relationship-based, not landmark-based. Every player’s alignment and path depend on the spacing between teammates rather than the yard lines or hashes.
This approach builds cohesion and communication, ensuring the coverage wave stays intact regardless of the return scheme.
“It’s all about relationships. Everyone’s got to be in tune together — if one player is off by a yard, the whole picture changes.”
Breaking Down the Field: Three Zones of Coverage
To teach spacing and tempo, Schoonover divides the field into three distinct kickoff coverage zones, each with specific objectives and coaching points.
- The Speed Zone (Kickoff to ~30-yard line)
“Flying 40” phase — players sprint full speed, maintaining their lanes.
Focus on acceleration, lane integrity, and reaction to the return path.
Toolbox: release drills, open-field sprint mechanics, and spacing control.
“We want our hot players — our front-line speed guys — to be at the 30 when the ball is caught. That’s where you constrict the field.” - The Combat Zone (~30 to ~20-yard line)
Physical contact begins—blockers meet coverage players head-on.
Emphasis shifts from speed to power and leverage.
Players must “take conflict head on” — no avoidance, no drifting.
“In the combat zone, you can’t avoid anymore. You have to take problems head-on and be firm.” - The Finish Zone (Inside the 20-yard line)
Final five to ten yards where plays are made.
Focus: finishing tackles, forcing turnovers, and surrounding the ball.
Mentality: pursuit, swarm, and precision.
“This is where we make plays. When players understand where they are on the field, they play faster and finish stronger.”
Teaching Time and Space
Schoonover’s kickoff coverage coaching football philosophy centers on time and space awareness—knowing how much time to close the distance and control the space.
“Every team has that one kid who’s not the best athlete but always finds a way to make plays on special teams. It’s because he understands time and space — how to manipulate it and win angles.”
By training players to visualize the zones, he gives them an internal clock, which improves their anticipation and reaction on every kick.
The Kicker’s Role
Schoonover stresses the kicker’s role in hang time and placement for synchronized coverage.
Ideal hang time: 3.85+ seconds
A consistent approach to timing prevents early cues for the return team.
Ball location drives coverage pattern and zone timing.
“The kicker is part of the coverage unit. His placement and hang time define the rhythm of the play.”
Key Takeaway
Kickoff coverage requires coordinated aggression, not chaos. By emphasizing relationship-based alignment, time-space awareness, and zone-specific responsibilities, Jake Schoonover builds units that attack with both precision and confidence.
“Kickoff is courage and accountability in motion. When you understand time and space, you play faster — and you finish.”
— Jake Schoonover
Related:
Defense with DC (Week 6): Moving the Front, Defending Condensed Sets, and 4-Minute Situations
Space, Time, and Talent – Dub Maddox, Offensive Coordinator, Union High School (OK)
More on Coach Jake Schoonover
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