How John Jancek could benefit Tennessee’s defensive personnel

Former Tennessee defensive coordinator John Jancek is currently serving as a defensive quality control coach at Georgia.

Former Tennessee defensive coordinator John Jancek is currently serving as a defensive quality control coach at Georgia.

Jancek served as the Vols’ defensive coordinator from 2013-15 under head coach Butch Jones, running a hybrid scheme.

A return to Tennessee for Jancek remains in the early stages for anything to materialize in joining Josh Heupel’s staff.

However, Jancek could benefit the Vols’ defense by coaching its current player personnel that are accustomed to schemes he has been around at Georgia under Kirby Smart.

Sep 26, 2015; Gainesville, FL; Tennessee Volunteers defensive coordinator John Jancek during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Tennessee Volunteers 28-27. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Smart’s defensive scheme is similar to former Tennessee head coach Jeremy Pruitt, the system that Jancek has been learning.

Below are some looks that Smart runs at Georgia that Jancek could teach with a smooth transition at Tennessee.

Smart likes to showcase a boundary-side cornerback blitz, which typically leaves a boundary-side safety playing man coverage on the No. 1 wide receiver, creating a 2-high coverage to the field-side.

In Smart’s defense, CLAMP is where a cornerback plays against the No. 2 wide receiver within five yards to defend the flat.

In 3×1 sets, CLAMP is with the No. 1 and No. 2 wide receivers, and man coverage is on the No. 3 wide receiver that is playing underneath (HOOK). Man coverage happens on the No. 3 wide receiver when he is underneath, except for when the No. 3 wide receiver is running a curl route, or going deep on a crossing route.

When an opponent lines up in 11-personnel, on the 3×1 side, Smart will not shy away from running STUBBIE. STUBBIE is when the cornerbacks play tight coverage and are not off the ball. On the weak-side, STUBBIE and STUMP are the same.

The MONEY is the POSTER. The field cornerback will play press coverage on the No. 1 wide receiver. The STAR has the No. 2 wide receiver, six yards off, unless the third wide receiver goes into the flat. If the No. 3 wide receiver enters the flat, the STAR has him. If the No. 2 wide receiver goes underneath, the STAR also has the responsibility for him.

The weakness of STUBBIE is vertical passes and post routes against the safeties.

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