The Duo run concept is all the rage in high school, college, and professional football. Many coaches have shifted away from inside zone, which requires multiple 1-on-1 base blocks for duo, which is a double combo block on the inside, with two 1-on-1 blocks on the outside.
With the athleticism being shown from interior DL in the modern era of football, it makes sense to combo up those players (ie. would you want to put an OL 1-on-1 against Ahmad Moten right now?!) and wall off a DE that’s more than likely going to run himself up field anyway (ie. Marquis Lightfoot) with a TE or OT.
Above- The circled DT’s are the two combo blocks the RG and RT, and C and LG will have to own in order for Duo to work. The combo’s then have one player come off the block to work to the 2nd level (LB’ers).
The arrows are 1-on-1 blocks. The TE’s (87) just needs to cut off the inside of the C-Gap and stalemate the DE. The BSOT’s block (70) will gap (step right) and hinge (turn out to block) the DE.
Above- The RB is reading the MLB (31). The paths for Mark Fletcher are bang (PS-A), Bend (BS-A) and Bounce (PS-B/C).
Above- In action you can see the blocks forming. Bauman just needs to cut off the inside path, the two combos, and the gap-hinge from Bell.
Above- With the MLB clearly in the playside A gap, Fletcher has two choices, bounce same side but wider, or bend back. He chooses to bounce which is the right choice. It’ll be him vs a DB unless the OL misses a combo…
Above- Brockermeyer loses the NT and that’s who clogs up the bounce gap. If he just stalemates that block Fletcher has nothing but a pair of DB’s to beat for an explosive. Instead it’s a 5-yard type of thumper run.
Above- Different clip, flipped angle on the end zone All-22. If Lyle just hits that wide open gap it’s an explosive run. Instead he hesitates and has to come back to it after a dumb bounce cut which cuts this down to a small gain. But when Duo works up front that’s the hole you get with almost zero push from the OL.
Take a look at the 3-minute explanation video below: