The Top 22 Strategy: Depth and Flexibility - Alex Gray, Defensive Coordinator, John Carroll

Coach and Coordinator Podcast

Alex Gray, the new defensive coordinator for John Carroll University, brings over 20 years of coaching experience, including a successful stint at St. Thomas University in Florida, where his defenses led the Sun Conference in scoring defense and sacks. Coach Gray is known for his aggressive and versatile defensive strategies that leverage player strengths and keep offenses off balance.

In this episode, Coach Gray shares his strategies for building depth. He discusses the "Top 22" player list for talent recruitment and how he adapted this approach at St. Thomas. Gray emphasizes athlete versatility, streamlined practice organization, and the need for coaching flexibility.

Chapters

Introduction to Building Depth

The Top 22 Concept

Adapting Practice for Versatility

Game Day Application

Impact on Coaching Staff

Winning Edge

Developing depth in a football team involves identifying the best athletes regardless of position and preparing them to play multiple roles. By creating a "Top 22" list, coaches can maximize versatility and adaptability, allowing players to fit into various schemes based on their strengths. This approach requires coaches to be well-versed in multiple positions, ensuring effective communication and preparation. While demanding, this strategy results in a more resilient team, ready to face the challenges of a season with a flexible and adaptable depth chart.

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