Javon Foster and Cody Schrader Break Down Wide Zone Running at NFL Scouting Combine
INDIANAPOLIS — A large part of Missouri football's success in 2023 was the strength of its ground game.
For one, the offensive line took a massive leap forward. The improvement started well before the season, when head coach Eli Drinkwitz publicly praised the unit during fall camp.
"I can say without reservation that the offensive line has been the most improved unit within our football program," Drinkwitz said. "I think what Coach Jones has done has been remarkable. His ability to connect with our players, have those guys playing for each other in a way that i haven't seen since maybe my first year, has been tremendous."
After being a problem area in 2023, the unit became a solution in 2023. Its effort was recognized nationally, as the unit was named a semifinalist for the Joe Moore award, which is given to the top offensive line in college football.
Missouri's RB1, Cody Schrader, also played a big role in the Tigers feasting on the ground. The veteran led the SEC in rushing while earning All-American accolades and Heisman Trophy votes as well.
However, a third component was a big help as well: zone running. It'd been a concept that Missouri had run before under Drinkwitz, but it was taken to another level in 2023. Schrader was able to break off numerous big runs using the concept. The play worked the most against Arkansas, as Schrader exploded for 1,627 rushing yards on just 276 carries. The Razorback defense didn’t seem to have an answer for the Tigers’ offensive line getting to the second level as quickly as they were. It also helped that Schrader hit every open hole with immense ferocity.
A zone run is similar to a zone defense in football and basketball; the play involves the offensive line blocking a “zone” rather than the defensive player lined up directly across from them.
“It’s a play that attacks the defense’s edges,” Drinkwitz said before the Tennessee game. “It allows us the ability to stick a foot in the ground and get a vertical seam when they become too horizontal. The athleticism of our tackles really allows us to define (those lanes) for the tailback.”
In an article from the Columbia Missourian last November, author Adam Ryerson outlined the ingredients that allowed Missouri to run an effective outside zone; an athletic offensive line, a powerful running back, a strong blocking tight ened and pre snap motion, the latter of which was put in place by first-year offensive coordinator Kirby Moore.
On Saturday, Foster and Schrader broke down what they actually look for when that play is called. For Schrader, it’s all about reading the defensive line, similarly to plenty of other running concepts.
"My aiming point on outside zone is the butt crack of the ghost tight end, so if there's no tight end, you want to get your shoulders and eyes to the end," Schrader said. "You're reading the tackle block, you're reading that five-technique. If he jumps outside, you're looking for the cut back, but if he stays kind of inside and we can get him reached, you want to circle the defense and get outside.”
He also credited the play’s success to the left side of the offensive line, which was held down by Foster and veteran left guard Xavier Delgado.
“They cleaned up stuff pretty well for me,” Schrader said.
From the standpoint of an offensive tackle, Foster was ultra-specific regarding what he needed to accomplish on an outside zone play.
"I'm honestly stressing to get to my landmark, and that's the outside armpit of the defender," Foster said. "Focusing on trying to get to my landmark, pressing him out wide. ‘Cause I know the ball likes to cut it in the B gap, so it's me stressing to get the B gap opened up."
Like Schrader, Foster also credited Delgado for the play’s success, who was Foster’s roommate at Missouri. The two needed to be in unison in order for the play to work; when executed properly, Foster would pass off the edge defender to Delgado, who would block him while Foster went and blocked the descending linebacker.
"He helped it out a lot," Foster said. "Us having that chemistry, I knew he always had my back, and he knows I have his back. That made it a lot easier."
Last but certainly not least, Foster praised Schrader for his ability to capitalize on those open gaps. After all, big runs against Georgia, Florida and Arkansas likely don’t happen if Schrader doesn’t find the running lanes in the first place.
"Having a runner like Cody Schrader, I know he's always gonna put his foot in the ground and go run as hard as he can,” Foster said. “It made the offense a lot easier."
