PLAY BREAKDOWN: Ainias Smith Runs Smash Shallow

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics
By James Taglienti | Last updated 8/28/22

We reviewed the smash shallow concept earlier this week when we looked at Jalen Wydermyer’s touchdown reception against Mississippi State. Today we’re looking at how Ainais Smith runs smash shallow. Smash shallow attacks a defense in all areas, and Smith is an adept weapon in this concept.

Play Concept

With trips to the field in 11 personnel, the X receiver runs a shallow crossing route. The field slot runs a corner route, completing the two-man smash concept. The TE runs a 9 yard in route. Boundary receiver pushes vertical to attract deep coverage from the free safety.

Quarterback reads corner-shallow-in from left to right. Boundary side, QB reads vertical to RB swing route. Smash shallow in a field trips alignment attacks deep coverage with the corner and vertical routes. The TE’s in route forces a LB or strong safety to drop from their flat coverage. Any LB or safety blitz automatically makes X’s shallow a hot route.

Ainias Smith Executing Smash Shallow

Jalen Preston is the boundary receiver, he pushes vertical. Jalen Wydermyer runs a 9 yard in route. Field slot Demond Demas runs a corner route. Field receiver Ainias Smith runs a shallow crossing route. Wydermyer’s in route causes the LBs to drop in coverage. Demas attracts both the field corner and safety. Boundary corner drops with Preston. Smith runs his shallow route, catches the ball, and runs upfield for yards after the catch.

Result of the play is a 9 yard gain and a first down.