Shannon Ballard approaches the line of scrimmage as quarterback Tyler Tettleton lines up under center. When the ball is snapped, Ballard blitzes and is untouched, forcing Tettleton to make an awkward pitch that falls right at the corner's feet. Ballard instinctually picks up the ball and runs it to the end zone for a 75-yard score.
Ballard made the play because of his position as nickel back in Ohio's nickel formation, which features five defensive backs and two linebackers. The Bobcats used it frequently last season, and also this spring, to defend against the spread offense.
It's all about having athletic guys that can play man-to-man defense
said safeties coach and defensive coordinator Jimmy Burrow. If you're going to play with traditional linebackers in the spread then you're going to limit some of your blitzes.
The spread is a pass-oriented offense that usually features an extra receiver or tight end instead of a fullback. The defense saw it heavily in games against Bowling Green and Central Michigan, and also has seen it all spring from Ohio's offense.
You have to be prepared to run a lot said safety Gerald Moore. It's a lot of passing and you have to cover a lot of field.
Versatile cornerbacks like Ballard and Travis Carrie are the types of players needed to put in the fifth defensive back spot. The hardest thing when defending the spread is stopping teams that run the ball out of it, so bigger defensive backs are essential, Burrow said.
I don't have a problem with coming in the box at all
Ballard said. I actually like to hit.
I played safety in high school so adjusting was a breeze.
Someone like Carrie
who stands 6-feet
203 pounds
runs a 4.5 forty and plays physically is the prototype for the position
Burrow said. Carrie had to sit out last season due to injury and is not practicing this spring
but Ballard has played effectively in the spot.
While defending the spread is tough
the Bobcats do have a wealth of talent at defensive back to work with. When healthy
Ohio has around nine defensive backs that could make an impact this season.
We have a lot of depth, but that's when we're all healthy, Burrow said.
The absences in the defensive backfield have been noticeable this spring. Carrie
