UF’s “Heavy Package” Built With Tide In Mind

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When you’re deep in all-star defensive lineman, why not get them all onto the field?  That’s the idea behind what’s been dubbed Florida’s “heavy package.”  And it was designed with Alabama’s ground game in mind.

“I certainly gave thought to it,” Urban Meyer said when asked if Bama’s ground success against the Gators last year in Atlanta played a role in creating his new five-linemen defensive front.

Alabama rushed for 251 yards en route to a 32-13 mouth-smashing in the Georgia Dome.

Here’s the layout of the Gators heavy package:


* Defensive tackle Jaye Howard (6-4, 302) shifts to defensive end

* Terron Sanders (6-2, 309) or another lineman replaces Howard at defensive tackle

* Nose tackle Omar Hunter (6-0, 307) remains inside

* Lawrence Marsh (6-5, 290) is placed inside as well

* Defensive end Duke Lemmens (6-5, 250) then becomes a hybrid linebacker

* Two linebackers then stand at the line of scrimmage, too, and defensive ends Ronald Powell and Justin Trattou can be used in those roles


The five linemen are then joined by two linebackers who stand along the line of scrimmage.  So we’re talking about what amounts to a 5-2.  Sounds like a good plan. 

There are a couple of possible issues:

1.  Can the Tide use speed to beat the Gators to the edge?  Not likely considering Florida’s speed, even among its biggest linemen.

2.  Can the Tide’s receivers win one-on-one matchups with Gator corners and allow Greg McElroy to throw over the top of the heavy package all evening?  Now that’s the worry for Florida.

“You’re now leaving your corner on an island with the first receiver that’s going to be picked in the NFL draft (Julio Jones),” Meyer said.

Best guess as to what happens: Florida’s heavy package might slow Alabama’s running game, but it won’t stop it.