Brandon Fisher's father, Jeff Fisher, was a longtime coach of the Tennessee Titans, however it was the Titans most up-to-date coach, Mike Vrabel, who helped Brandon obtain a number of the success he is skilled this season as Tennessee State's defensive coordinator.
While he was nonetheless teaching the Titans, Vrabel despatched Fisher and Tigers coach Eddie George, the Titans all-time main rusher, a video displaying the perfect methods for a defender to take the ball away from an offensive participant.
Fisher studied the video titled, “The Ski Mask Way.” then confirmed it to his gamers. Simulating the takeaway strategies turned a part of the Tigers' day by day apply routine, and people drills have paid off this season.
TSU, which has the No. 24 total protection in FCS, is tied for eleventh in turnovers (11). The Tigers (4-2. 2-1 Big South/OVC) have compelled and recovered six fumbles previously 4 video games heading into their homecoming in opposition to Eastern Illinois (1-5, 0-2) on Saturday (5 p.m., ESPN+) at Nissan Stadium.
Defensive again Boogie Trotter, a former Pearl-Cohn star, returned an interception 69 yards for a landing in opposition to Tennessee Tech on Sept. 21. Trotter is tied for first within the FCS with Tarleton State's Kasyus Kurns in fumble recoveries (3) and leads the Tigers with two interceptions.
“The video coach Vrabel shared with Coach George showed some of the techniques to get the ball out,” Fisher stated. “You've got the punch, the tomahawk, the chop. It had practice clips and then game clips of what the Titans are taught. Every coach preaches turnovers in their own way, and this was something Coach Vrabel teaches. Obviously, our guys love seeing the Titans clips of practice and games of guys raking at the ball and knocking it out.”
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Vrabel, who was let go by the Titans after the 2023 season, despatched the video earlier than final season. It took awhile for TSU's defenders to study the methods nicely sufficient for them to present up in video games, however it began to occur early this season. The Tigers brought about two fumbles within the opener in opposition to Mississippi Valley State and Trotter had an interception as nicely.
“Turnovers have always been a point of emphasis on every defense, always have been and always will be,” Fisher stated. “But I think our guys this season have taken it to heart, taken a lot of pride in it, and you're seeing the results on the field.”
The Tigers had a complete of 11 turnovers (seven interceptions and 4 fumble recoveries) in 2023, which was next-to-last within the Big South/OVC. They have already got that many turnovers (eight fumble recoveries and three interceptions) this season, which leads the convention.
“The biggest difference with our defense between last year and this year is they're getting the ball out,” George stated. “We talk about it. We preach on different techniques how to punch the ball out. I’m constantly reminding them in practice to work on their technique to punch the ball out no matter what.”
In last week's come-from-behind win at Lindenwood, the Lions took possession trailing 24-20 with 56 seconds remaining at their 31. On the first play, Lindenwood quarterback Nate Glantz ran 11 yards before TSU linebacker Ahmad Nelson hit him and knocked the ball out. Trotter recovered it at the Lindenwood 27.
In the fourth quarter against Charleston Southern two weeks ago, TSU was clinging to a 13-9 lead when the Buccaneers drove to the Tigers' 9-yard line. On second down, TSU linebacker Spencer Roof stripped the ball from CSU running back Autavius Ison and Trotter recovered it in the end zone.
“Our gamers have purchased in; they see how massive turnovers could be and particularly at key factors within the recreation,” Fisher said. “And it is just like the extra they get the extra they need.”
Reach Mike Organ at 615-969-1742 or on X @MikeOrganAuthor.
This article initially appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Titans: Mike Vrabel helped Tennessee State football defense improve
