3-3-5 Defense Take Hold Early in Jackson State Tigers Fall Camp

JACKSON, Mississippi -- The days of three yards and a cloud of dust and grinding out yards on the ground to the goal line has been replaced with the modern spread offense that exists at all levels of football across the country.

The spread offense revolution has forced defenses to adapt and change their schemes to keep up with, and most importantly, stop the offenses from lighting up the scoreboard.

Jackson State and its defensive coordinator, John Hendrick, have turned to the 3-3-5 to obstruct opposing offenses. In 2016 and 2017 the Tigers installed portions of the 3-3-5, but plan to primarily use the defensive scheme in 2018.

“At the beginning of last year, it was a change-up defense. We decided to primarily use it in the backend of the schedule last season due to attrition and injuries,” Hendrick said. “When we primarily used the defense last season, it became evident that it would work for our team.”

Hendrick was on the defensive staff at Mississippi State in the mid-90s that created and first used the 3-3-5. The scheme was revealed November 16, 1996, versus No. 8-ranked Alabama, which the Bulldogs won 17-16. MSU then sported one of the best defenses in the country for the rest of the decade.

“I really believe in this defense. We will match-up well with the rest of the teams in the conference that play basketball on grass,” added Hendrick. “When we play a team that uses a power attack, we’ll be able to adjust. The 3-3-5 suits our defense and most importantly, it’s great for the team.”

Senior linebacker Eric Bowie is pleased to see how the defensive unit has progressed in the 3-3-5 since the end of spring drills.

“We have all bought into the 3-3-5 and are taking ownership of it,” Bowie said. “This defense really allows us to be aggressive and play fast. It’s fun to play in.”

Junior cornerback Ryan Theyard echoed Bowie’s remarks.

“As a defense, we are becoming comfortable with the 3-3-5,” Theyard said. “The past two days have been great and we have faith in our coaching staff to put us in the right positions to make plays and be successful.”

JSU head coach Tony Hughes is pleased to see the 3-3-5 defense take hold.

“The 3-3-5 will allow us to really utilize our team speed,” Hughes said. “It will play to our strengths and our defense has bought into the system and continue to work hard to learn the ins and outs of it.”

The Tigers are scheduled to be off on Sunday and return to practice and will wear shoulder pads for the first time on Monday.

JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS