In this segment from Lauren’s First and Goal, Darnell Stapleton shares his philosophies, aiming points, blocking techniques, count rules, as well as traits he looks for in recruiting offensive linemen fit for his zone scheme and desired style of play.
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“You gotta have the details and the fundamentals of it before you can unleash the violence.”
– Darnell Stapleton
Darnell Stapleton is the offensive line coach at the University of Florida. Prior to joining the Gators staff, Coach Stapleton spent the 2021 season at the University of Louisiana.
From 2017-2020, Coach Stapleton served as the offensive line coach and run game coordinator for Sam Houston State. And from 2014-2017, he was the OL coach at Bucknell University. He elevated in the profession as a graduate assistant at Rutgers University – his alma mater.
Stapleton was a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2007 to 2010, starting 18 games and winning Super Bowl XLIII.
In this episode, a segment from Lauren’s First and Goal, Darnell Stapleton shares his philosophies and coaching points to effectively execute the zone blocking scheme.
Follow Darnell Stapleton on Twitter @darnellru53.
“I’m really big on them understanding the running back’s aiming point… and then ultimately the technique and fundamentals of our aiming point related to the running back’s aiming point.”
– Darnell Stapleton
Show Notes:
>Zone Scheme: A Year-Round Commitment to Getting Better
>Philosophy: Start-Explosion-Finish
>Start
>Drive Catching: Load Up the Weight and Drive Off of It
>Battle of the Second Step
>Explosion: Unlocking the Hips and Lift
>Finish: Strain and Effort, and Fight the Tear Off
>Chase the Ball and Push the Pile
>Much is Found in Recruiting
>Multiple Types of Zone Schemes
>Aiming Points as They Pertain to the Running Back
>Backside: One Landmark
>Upper Body
>Piggyback Technique
>Rules Off of Zone Count
>Plumb-Line Mike
Watch Darnell Stapleton’s Full Clinic Talk from Lauren’s First and Goal
Download Coach Stapleton’s Presentation Slides
Related Episodes:
Creating a Consistent Player – Adam Cushing, Run Game Coordinator/OL Coach, Duke University
Defeating the Tite Front – Matt Drinkall, Co-OC and OL Coach, Army
