Pulling the TE on Counter

GT Counter can be difficult to execute consistently once the defense begins to pick up on your “tells.” They may be able to key on the alignment of your RB or force a QB keep by bending. G/H Counter can also run into issues if the defense rotates their safeties to the H-Back. One way to combat these difficulties is to run G/Y Counter and pull and in line TE. G/Y Counter offers you all the benefits of G/H Counter with the Backside Protection of a hinging tackles. In addition, it’s very difficult for the defense to key on an attached TE.

  • 2x2 Deuce (Attached TE + WR)

  • Counter with QB Reading the D-Gap after TE Pull

  • Playside Tackle Pins the 4i

  • Guard & Center Double Nose & Climb Backside

Running G/Y Counter requires mobility from your TE. It is an extremely difficult block to make if you ask your TE to pull down the line and read the Guard if you run G/Y Counter you have to be clear on your Playside Plan. Because the attached TE is not coming from depth like the H-Back, adjusting on the fly to Wrap/Run will not lead to a successful play. The gameplan should help you dictate the Playside Plan - if you’re playing a Tite Front you should be able to Kick the Overhang and Wrap to the Will LB.


Here’s another look from 2021 Princeton running it with “Same-Side” RB Flow against an Even Front.