By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com

TERMINOLOGY TALK

As part of an ongoing series, The Trentonian will take an in-depth look into certain concepts with Rutgers' schemes and explain them through the eyes of the players.

Part 7 focuses on the assignments and schemes of Rutgers' "tilted" nose tackle.

Fifth-year senior Isaac Holmes:

"My job is really to force two. If I can force two, I feel as though my job is done. If I'm not taking up two, I shouldn't be a factor in the play, especially with this tilt scheme. There's so many opportunities to make plays out there."

Holmes lines up at a 45-degree angle (the "tilt") to the opposing center in the "A" gap — between the center and guard. Rutgers' three-technique tackle lines up on the outside shoulder of a guard.

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The angle allows Holmes to cut in between the two offensive linemen more freely on run plays, all but guaranteeing a double team. That frees up linebackers, like leading tackler Steve Longa, to make plays in space.

"I always say it should be really hard for someone to reach you if you run a tilted nose in that gap," Holmes said Monday. "That's what I mean by taking up two. If you're letting someone reach you and you're not able to be a factor in that play, I think that's a problem."

Holmes has 13 tackles this season, including 0.5 for a loss, and a sack.

More Terminology Talk