The Hammer

The Hammer, the importance of size in football.

When I was young, I was a defensive player. At 65 lbs I was a DT, believe or not. At 100lbs I was a LB, at 160 I became a corner. I realize that my observations are limited to youth and high school football, but I played defense for every snap of organized football. I feel it is important to point out to illustrate my point, the influence of the HAMMER!

As a 65 lbs 9 year old DT I was pretty formidable, I was big for my age but also still fast. I was a starting DT and was measured the third fastest on the team. I even dislocated a kids shoulder, I am not trying to brag, I am trying to illuminate the situation. In our first scrimmage we played, our opponents offense had an incredible elusive black kid. Extremely talented and balanced for our age, I chased him with focused intent all game, that little elusive fuck!!, but the more he slipped the more I focused. His talent didn't discourage me it only drove me towards more effort. I ended up getting a personal foul committing a late hit directly related to my frustration. LOL.

In my second scrimmage I was introduced to blunt force trauma. A white kid about my size, nothing special. However, he would receive the ball and drive into the line with total disregard. You were not chasing, you were embracing for impact. Play after Play, a game of brute force hold the line. I can unquestionably say that at that moment I would have much rather be chasing.

It is a nice privilege to have fast elusive players, and they may always be more impactful in quantifiable numbers, but speed doesn't break the will of a defense; Size and power is the vehicle that demoralizes, destabilizes, and ultimately dismantles.

Every Offense needs a Hammer!