How can Tony White’s unique 3-3-5 scheme can improve FSU football’s defense

### How Tony White’s Unique 3-3-5 Scheme Can Improve FSU Football’s Defense

Florida State University (FSU) football has been on the rise under head coach Mike Norvell, but one area that remains ripe for improvement is the defense. With Tony White’s innovative 3-3-5 defensive scheme gaining popularity across college football, adopting such a system could give the Seminoles a significant edge. Known for its flexibility, adaptability, and ability to confuse opposing offenses, the 3-3-5 defense could be the key to elevating FSU’s defense from solid to elite.

This article explores the intricacies of Tony White’s 3-3-5 system, how it could address FSU’s defensive challenges, and why it fits well within the team’s current and future personnel.

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### **Understanding the 3-3-5 Defensive Scheme**

The 3-3-5 defense features three down linemen, three linebackers, and five defensive backs. While this alignment might seem unconventional compared to traditional 4-3 or 3-4 defenses, it offers several advantages:

1. **Versatility:** The 3-3-5 is highly adaptable, capable of shifting into multiple looks to counter various offensive schemes.
2. **Speed Over Size:** By utilizing more defensive backs, the system emphasizes speed and coverage over bulk, making it ideal for defending against modern spread offenses.
3. **Disguise and Confusion:** With linebackers and safeties often interchangeable in their roles, the 3-3-5 creates confusion for quarterbacks trying to read the defense pre-snap.

Tony White, one of the foremost architects of this system, has used it effectively to create disruptive defenses that excel in forcing turnovers and limiting explosive plays.

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### **Why the 3-3-5 Fits FSU’s Needs**

#### **1. Addressing Spread Offenses**
The ACC is home to numerous offenses that rely on speed, tempo, and wide receiver-heavy formations. FSU’s defense has struggled at times to keep pace with these schemes, particularly in defending the pass.

The 3-3-5 provides a natural counter to spread offenses by putting an extra defensive back on the field. This additional coverage player improves the team’s ability to defend against quick passes, crossing routes, and deep shots.

#### **2. Improving Flexibility**
One of the challenges for FSU’s defense has been a lack of adaptability against teams with diverse offensive styles. The 3-3-5’s hybrid nature allows for seamless transitions between defending the run and pass, making it easier to adjust on the fly.

For example:
– Against run-heavy teams, the safeties in the 3-3-5 can step into the box to create a more traditional 4-4 or 4-3 look.
– Against pass-heavy offenses, the linebackers can drop into coverage, effectively creating a dime defense without substituting.

#### **3. Leveraging Current Personnel**
FSU already has the talent to thrive in a 3-3-5 system, particularly in the secondary. The Seminoles have recruited a wealth of athletic, versatile defensive backs who excel in coverage and tackling. Additionally, the linebacker corps includes players with the speed and agility needed to cover ground in space, a critical requirement in this scheme.

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### **Key Benefits of the 3-3-5 for FSU**

#### **1. Increased Turnover Potential**
One of the hallmarks of Tony White’s defenses has been their ability to create turnovers. By disguising coverage and applying pressure from unexpected angles, the 3-3-5 forces quarterbacks into mistakes. FSU’s defense, while solid in 2024, could benefit from more game-changing plays in the turnover department.

#### **2. Better Pass Defense**
The additional defensive back in the 3-3-5 allows for more intricate zone and man coverage schemes. FSU has struggled at times to defend against elite quarterbacks and receiving corps. With a 3-3-5, the Seminoles could mitigate these challenges by flooding the secondary with athletic playmakers.

#### **3. Improved Blitz Packages**
The 3-3-5 opens up creative blitzing opportunities, with linebackers and safeties able to attack from multiple angles. This unpredictability keeps opposing offensive lines off-balance, increasing the likelihood of sacks and hurried throws.

#### **4. Neutralizing Mobile Quarterbacks**
Mobile quarterbacks have historically given FSU trouble. The 3-3-5’s emphasis on speed and lateral movement makes it well-suited for containing dual-threat quarterbacks, as linebackers and safeties are better equipped to spy and close down running lanes.

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### **Challenges and Solutions for Implementing the 3-3-5**

#### **Challenge 1: Defensive Line Depth**
The 3-3-5 relies on three linemen to hold their ground against five offensive linemen. This places a premium on having disruptive, high-motor linemen who can command double-teams.

**Solution:** FSU has recruited well along the defensive line in recent years, and the addition of a 3-3-5 scheme could incentivize further investment in athletic, versatile linemen capable of playing multiple positions.

#### **Challenge 2: Linebacker Versatility**
The scheme requires linebackers who can cover tight ends and running backs while also being effective pass rushers.

**Solution:** FSU already has hybrid players, such as safeties who can play linebacker roles and linebackers who excel in coverage. White’s coaching philosophy emphasizes player development, which could help refine these skills further.

#### **Challenge 3: Adjustment Period**
Transitioning to a new scheme always comes with growing pains, as players adjust to new roles and responsibilities.

**Solution:** The offseason presents an ideal opportunity for installation, allowing players to learn and adapt during spring and fall camps. Additionally, Tony White’s track record suggests he can simplify complex concepts for quick implementation.

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### **Recruiting for the 3-3-5**

Adopting a 3-3-5 scheme would likely influence FSU’s recruiting priorities. The following traits become even more critical:

1. **Versatile Defensive Backs**
Players capable of excelling in both man and zone coverage are essential. Safeties who can tackle in the box and cover in space are particularly valuable.

2. **Athletic Linebackers**
The system thrives on linebackers who can run sideline to sideline and cover effectively in the passing game.

3. **Disruptive Linemen**
Defensive linemen who can penetrate the backfield and demand double-teams are critical for the scheme’s success.

FSU’s current recruiting classes already emphasize many of these traits, suggesting a smooth transition would be possible.

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### **Tony White’s Track Record of Success**

Tony White has implemented his 3-3-5 defense successfully at multiple programs, including Syracuse and Nebraska. At Syracuse, his defense ranked among the ACC’s best in takeaways, sacks, and red-zone efficiency. Similarly, his stint at Nebraska saw significant improvements in defensive metrics, particularly in limiting big plays.

White’s ability to tailor the 3-3-5 to his personnel sets him apart. He has consistently developed hybrid defenders who thrive in his system, proving the scheme’s adaptability and effectiveness.

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### **Conclusion**

Tony White’s unique 3-3-5 scheme has the potential to elevate FSU football’s defense to new heights. By emphasizing versatility, speed, and unpredictability, the system addresses many of the challenges that have plagued the Seminoles in recent years.

With a talented roster already in place and a strong recruiting pipeline, FSU is well-positioned to adopt and excel in the 3-3-5. If implemented, this innovative approach could solidify the Seminoles as one of the nation’s premier defenses, giving them the edge needed to compete for ACC titles and College Football Playoff berths in the years to come.