AFM Subscribers Ask with Cocoa High School (FL) Head Coach John Wilkinson

Over the last five seasons, Cocoa High School (FL) has given up an average of only 7.2 points per game on their way to a 58-8 record including 24 shutouts. Cocoa has accomplished this under Head Coach John Wilkinson’s base 3-3-5 defense. What makes it effective, according to Wilkinson, is a combination of slants, stunts, blitzes and disguises. And Wilkinson has done it with many undersized players. His nine-year record at Cocoa now stands at 100-19. This includes three 4A State Championships, a 38-game winning streak and a Florida Coach of the Year Award. Coach Wilkinson answers your questions about his defense.How do you adjust to trips and empty? And do you use any cover 2 concepts vs. trips or empty? John Metcalf, Defensive Coordinator, John Carroll Catholic High School, Birmingham (AL).    It depends on the opponent and what they like to do on offense. If we feel