Rocky Long

[bnoro]

With the Rocky Long tweet from Pete Thamel I thought it would be interesting to get some context on a potential hire.


Here are a couple of interesting articles about his particular brand of defense:

Origin story of the 3-3-5 defense employed by ASU and SDSU

Tracing the lineage of the 3-3-5 defense Danny Gonzales has brought to ASU, one developed by Rocky Long after more than three decades in the making.

247sports.com

The rise of the Aztec empire

More teams are copying the San Diego State strategy of using a rangy hybrid in the middle of the field and offenses aren’t sure what to do about him.

www.footballstudyhall.com

ASU Football Film: A glimpse inside Rocky Long’s defensive masterpiece at San Diego State

All-out blitzes, quick defensive backs and deception. Welcome to the Aztecs’ 3-3-5 defense.

www.houseofsparky.com

If this somehow happened I think it would be an absolute slam dunk (even if Rocky only has 2-3 years left since he's 69). Seems like he wants to step back from the full HC role.

 

[SUforme]

Redirect Notice

 

[bnoro]

Imagine Cisco as that hybrid roaming safety making plays all over the field? This feels too good to be true...

 

[OttoinGrotto]

I'm game to have a former HC at that level on staff.

 

[texascpa]

Hype levels increasing...

 

[phil77]

This would be outstanding hire IMO

 

[rrlbees]

I don't know. that defense gets hurt by good running backs. and the guy is 69.

 

[SmilinBob]

What's the difference between his 3-3-5 and what WV has played for years?

 

[LeMoyneCuse]

I don't know. that defense gets hurt by good running backs. and the guy is 69.

I'd rather get hurt by good running backs than get hurt by good running backs AND any QB with a pulse.

 

[jgeorge322]

I'd rather get hurt by good running backs than get hurt by good running backs AND any QB with a pulse.

im still broken from bc game

 

[JrodCuse]

Every D has a weakness, it’s just the nature of the sport. His pedigree is almost unmatched. It’s going to be near impossible to find another option who has this long of a proven track record.

 

[SUforme]

What's curious to me is still the connection to Navy as they play a 3-3-5 as well.

 

[Shrmdougluvr]

Would he be the first senior citizen in history to move from San Diego to Central New York voluntarily?

If so, can the Hopkins/Pacific Northwest fanboys stop using geography as a reason Hopkins would never return?

 

[Chip]

Get your 69 jokes in while you can. He turns 70 three weeks from today.

 

[EastCoast2]

Get your 69

Nice

 

[SmilinBob]

It looks like Dino took my Norm Gerber post to heart. Interesting direction to go if true.

 

[rrlbees]

one good thing looking at their schedule is that they never get blown out. of course its not a P5 schedule.

 

[SmilinBob]

Go get him Dino!

Maybe SU can get Shafer to run it? He loved it at Michigan.

 

[OrangeXtreme]

 

[sutomcat]

If you can't get prototype DTs and NGs, this is a way you can still be successful on defense. I think it makes great sense for Syracuse, whether it is the flavor Navy runs or San Diego State runs.

We can recruit players for this defense a lot easier. We can put a lot of pressure and introduce confusion with it.

NC State tried to put the 3-3-5 in with former WVU coach Tony Gibson last fall. It doesn't work out well and Dave Huxtable, who apparently fought it some, got the blame and the ax.

 

[sutomcat]

Would he be the first senior citizen in history to move from San Diego to Central New York voluntarily?

If so, can the Hopkins/Pacific Northwest fanboys stop using geography as a reason Hopkins would never return?

The only other person in the world to attempt this migration was Bud Poliquin. Let's hope a second try is the charm.

 

[UnknownOrange]

Since he took a plane from San Diego is it possible Dave Boller came with him?

 

[RMH44]

What's curious to me is still the connection to Navy as they play a 3-3-5 as well.

Looking at any version of 3 down DL makes sense at a school where recruiting DT's has been a problem. Even Clemson used 3 DL much of the time this season.

I think it's smarter than attempting to force square pegs into round holes. Gotta make lemon aide when given lemons.

 

[Ozcuse]

Passes the great football name test.

 

[CuseLegacy]

Since he took a plane from San Diego is it possible Dave Boller came with him?

Boller's in Texas.