Zone Read combines inside zone blocking with an option read on the backside defender. The QB reads the unblocked DE to determine give or keep.
Overview
Zone Read is the marriage of zone blocking and option football. The offensive line blocks inside zone while leaving the backside defensive end unblocked. The quarterback reads this defender: if he crashes down on the running back, the QB keeps; if he stays home, the QB gives.
This concept revolutionized college football and forced defenses to account for the quarterback as a runner. It created the "read and react" defensive end position and changed how teams recruit and develop edge defenders.
Zone Read remains a foundational concept for any team with a mobile quarterback, providing a built-in answer to aggressive defensive ends.
History & Origin
Rich Rodriguez developed the Zone Read at Bowling Green, then perfected it at West Virginia with Pat White. It became the foundational concept of the spread offense revolution.
Key Principles
- 1Inside zone blocking with backside DE left unblocked
- 2QB reads the backside DE ("read key")
- 3If DE crashes = QB keeps
- 4If DE stays = QB gives to RB
- 5Creates an extra blocker by not blocking the read key
- 6Mesh point must be deep enough for QB decision
- 7RB runs zone track regardless of read
When to Use
Zone Read is effective when you have a mobile QB and want to punish aggressive defensive ends. It's particularly useful against teams that like to crash their ends on run plays.
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Creates extra blocker (unblocked DE is neutralized by read)
- +Punishes aggressive defensive ends
- +QB becomes a running threat
- +Sets up play-action
- +Simple concept with big-play potential
Disadvantages
- −Exposes QB to hits
- −Requires mobile quarterback
- −Can be defended by "scrape exchange"
- −Read key can be disguised
What Coaches Call It
Different coaches use different terminology for the same concepts.
| Coach | Team | Their Term | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rich Rodriguez | — | Zone Read | Original developer |
| Urban Meyer | — | Zone Read | Used extensively at Ohio State |
| Chip Kelly | — | Inside Zone Read | Oregon terminology |
Matchups
Good Against
- +Aggressive crashing DEs
- +4-3 fronts
- +Teams that over-commit to RB
- +Man coverage
Avoid Against
- −Scrape exchange
- −Patient read defenders
- −Speed to QB on the edge
Installation
What You Need
Prerequisites for running this scheme effectively.
- ✓Mobile QB who can run
- ✓OL comfortable with zone blocking
- ✓RB with mesh timing
When NOT to Use This
- !QB takes hits - injury risk
- !Scrape exchange can defeat it
- !Requires proper mesh depth
Technical Variations
4 concepts in the Eyes Up playbook use this scheme.
IZ-2-Read-Left
LEFTRUNInside Zone Read at 2 man surface - Left
Position Assignments
BLOCKING
Back side tackle blocks A to B gap, stays square to LOS
Back side guard sorts to linebacker level
Center secures play side A gap (between center and guard)
Guard blocks inside out on play side B gap (between guard and tackle)
Tackle blocks inside out on play side C gap (between tackle and TE)
CUSTOM
Running back carries the ball on zone path
QB reads End Man on Line of Scrimmage