Keys to winning 1st and 2nd down to win 3rd down with Wheaton (D-III - IL) defensive coordinator CJ Nightingale
The Wheaton (D-III - IL) defense was one of the top units in small college football this season under first-year defensive coordinator CJ Nightingale.
After leading the Division III level in total defense, Nightingale was recognized as a finalist for the FootballScoop D-III Coordinator of the Year Award.
Today, Nightingale took us through his philosophy and the keys to winning 1st and 2nd down to control 3rd down.
Here are a few of my favorite takeaways from coach Nightingale's talk:
- Why starting with your base defense is key
- Why boredom is the enemy of effective defenses
- The 3 controllable factors the Wheaton defensive staff believes are key to getting off the field
- What situations you should dial up the creativity in
- Why being humble and admitting mistakes to your players is key
- Lessons learned being a young coordinator in a very competitive league
- Simple drills that have been key to 1st and 2nd down success
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Check out our conversation with coach Nightingale below.
https://youtu.be/9c2gVtsa8Y8
