Before offenses spread out and threw the ball all over the field, most defenses used seven-man lines. While the ends aligned wide to negate sweeps, the five interior linemen focused on holding their ground or penetrating the offensive line on passing downs.

Offensive linemen could not extend their arms when blocking so the boys on defense used forearm shivers and punches to ward off blockers. More than anything, they stayed low.

While practicing the Blow and Step against air provided hours of fun, there was nothing like drilling with a machine that could take your best and spring right back, ready for the next guy.

What that thing is in the middle is anyone’s guess.

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