requirements to run Charlie's system

by Jay, San Diego, Wednesday, May 20, 2009, 17:32 (6216 days ago)

or any "pro" system in college.

It occurs to me that part of the breakdown the last couple of years could be resulting from the personnel demands and requirements of the system that Charlie likes to run. Spesh and Pat and I have emailed about this before, and I'd like to throw it out to the group for consideration.

We know that the system is a good system, at least in the way it's been implemented in the pros. But what does the system demand, position-wise? Here's a working list.

QB - somebody smart and quick-thinking, with some size to hang in the pocket
1-2 RB - somebody who can catch and pick up blitzes as well as run the ball
1 FB
2-3 tight ends, with at least two pass catchers in there
3-4 receivers, two of which can also block downfield

That is a lot to ask from a college roster. And if you are missing any piece of that puzzle, your flexibilty is hampered. (See "Devolution of an Offense", e.g.)

What do other offenses ask of their personnel?

In typical passing spread offenses, you eliminate the tight ends and the fullback. Your requirements list looks like:

QB - quick thinker/thrower, wheels can help. Size not an absolute.
1-2 RB
4+ receivers

What about option football, both spread and triple?

QB - definitely need to be able to run. Passing is a bonus.
1-2 RB
1 FB
perhaps a tight end, depending on the flavor
2+ receivers, that's it

So the question is, does Charlie handicap himself by asking too much of a college roster? Do the number of pieces you need to develop and maintain (2-3 TE, 3-4 receivers) make you too susceptible to a crippling deficiency if you're missing even one piece of the puzzle?