3-3-5 Defense Recruits

[Nick5150]

I have always run a 4-3 or Nickel D in the NCAA games until I started a new dynasty using UMASS. For the first time I have elected to use a 3-3-5 as my base D and love it so far, but am curious as to what kind of players to recruit for it. I am assuming you go mainly at strength for the DLine similar to a 3-4 but what about LBs and Safetys. Just curious as to how everyone likes to go after their players in this D.

[gschwendt]

Here's my guide to the 3-3-5
http://www.thegamingtailgate.com/for...AA-Football-13

[redicular]

basic guide to 3-3-5

3 down linemen: 2 ends, 1 tackle
3 linebackers: 2 outside, 1 middle
5 defensive backs: 2 corners, 1 free safety, 2 strong safeties

strong against: outside/option runs, short passes

weak against: inside/power runs, deep routes

flexbone destroys this D, but its one of the best vs spread option. 5 guys in hook zone depth negates alot of that, but only one guy deep can get you in trouble

most important thing to remember with flexbone, is you're gonna have 2 strong safeties on the field 80% of the time, so you need 2 good ones, ideally hitters over coverage due to them fulfilling a great deal of the OLB's traditional roles(hook/crossing zones, outside run support). The SS's also blitz a TON.

D-line should all be run-support guys, its a blitz heavy scheme and your ends tend to be inside the tackle box unless you shift them

FS/corner need to be coverage, being blitz heavy, its also man-to-man heavy

LBs should be run support to back up the D-line, since every lineman is getting double teamed on every play

priority: SS > CB > MLB > DE > OLB > DT > FS

Don't be afraid to slot good MLBs in as OLB, the fulfill a lot of the same roles in this set, your OLBs don't need coverage skills nearly as much as you'd be used to in 4-3, and especially not vs 3-4

[canesfins]

Quote: Originally Posted by gschwendt

Here's my guide to the 3-3-5 http://www.thegamingtailgate.com/for...AA-Football-13

pretty good read right here, thanks

[Nick5150]

Thanks everyone for the help with this, all the comments were extremely helpful.

[Grinder12000]

The article by gschwendt is awesome - thanks!!

[Zmanthegreat]

Stud defensive line is a must

[Haze88]

Lockdown corners are essential. At least the way I run a 3-3-5, I blitz a lot leaving my corners in man often. A fast FS is also vital for playing center field and reacting quickly to passes. You're SS's will need to do everything; blitz, play man, zone, QB spy so put a lot into recruiting them. Big D-lineman and balanced, fast LB's round out the D. At least the way I play, I look at stamina, since I have the base personnel in pretty much all game.