In today’s fast-paced spread and tempo offenses, offensive line play hinges on one key idea, according to Glen Elarbee: dominate inside with sharp inside footwork.
“We’re not messing with duo or zone—it’s its own thing,” Elarbee says. “Call it wedge, maybe. Doesn’t matter. It works because we spread our receivers so wide.”
Those stretched-out receivers aren’t just for looks—they create space for the quickest route to the end zone: straight-up, north-south runs. With defenders pulled wide to cover the edges, Elarbee’s linemen strike fast and direct.
“The end zone’s closest in a straight line,” he says. “No fancy block setups—just run hard, charge forward, and cut the defense in half.”
Inside footwork isn’t only about where to step—it’s a mindset. Elarbee calls it the root of their toughness.
“Everyone knows where the ball’s headed,” he explains. “We stay between the defender and the ball, steering the back where we want him.”
That predictability doesn’t make it easy to stop. It builds grit and trust. By drilling that inside foot step across all kinds of plays, linemen find a groove. “It’s tons of reps doing the same thing,” Elarbee says. “It clicks with our tempo. When in doubt, we pound.”
This isn’t about fooling anyone—it’s about raw will. The defense can guess what’s coming; Tennessee doesn’t flinch.
Win inside, and the whole field opens up.
Coach Elarbee shared these gems at the 2023 C.O.O.L. Clinic.
Check out the video: Why Inside Footwork
Glen Elarbee – Why Inside Footwork with Tempo & Spreading the Field
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