2025 Convention Recap | Barry Tripp, Johnson C. Smith | Defensive Philosophy
July 14, 2025
Barry Tripp, the Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator at Johnson C. Smith University, brings a wealth of experience and a sharp, streamlined philosophy to defensive football. With coaching stops at Fort Valley State, Fayetteville State, Greene Central High School (NC), and his alma mater, Winston-Salem State, Coach Tripp has built a system grounded in discipline, effort, and adaptability.
In this breakdown, Coach Tripp explains his defensive approach, anchored by his E.A.T. philosophy: Effort, Attitude, and Technique, and dives into the details of run fits, run fit terminology, and defending the inside zone.
Defensive Philosophy: Keep the Box Light, Play Fast
Coach Tripp’s primary defensive objective is simple yet effective: stop the run while keeping the box as light as possible. In his system, defending the run in a 1-Man structure (single high safety) allows more defenders to cover passing lanes, making the quarterback’s job significantly more difficult.
Speed and awareness are the pillars of Tripp’s philosophy. Instead of loading the box with defenders, he trains his unit to push the ball east and west, forcing offenses to earn every yard with perimeter plays. The key? Speed, leverage, and knowing your responsibilities.
Understanding Run Fits
Run fits are the building blocks of any successful front-seven defense. Coach Tripp teaches two main types of fits:
-
Home Fits: Defenders align and attack from their base position, with no need to adjust for extra gaps.
-
Plus Fits: Linebackers or safeties adjust their alignment to account for the presence of a tight end, fullback, or slot receiver, often creating an extra gap.
Core Run Fit Terminology
Coach Tripp emphasizes consistent language across his defensive unit. Here are some of the core terms he uses:
-
Condense – Close space and tighten run lanes
-
Expand/Stretch – Widen the front to handle outside zone or perimeter threats
-
Stab – Quick, direct fit into a gap to stop the run
-
Hammer / Nail – Physical downhill fits
-
Spill – Force the ball-carrier to bounce outside
-
Box – Contain the ball and force it inside
-
Force – Set the edge and turn runs back in
-
Fold – Second-level defender scraping inside or over the top
-
Primary / Secondary – First- and second-level responsibilities based on the offensive look
Inside Zone Defense: Leverage and Discipline
Inside zone is a staple of most offenses, and Coach Tripp believes it’s beatable with disciplined eyes and fast fits. He teaches defenders to play with horizontal leverage, understanding that gaps may move but responsibilities do not. By tying inside zone principles back to E.A.T., his players remain aggressive without getting out of position.
Coach Barry Tripp’s defensive system is built for today’s game, where offenses are fast, versatile, and constantly shifting. Through simple terminology, smart run fits, and an emphasis on effort and technique, Tripp gives his players the tools to succeed without relying on overwhelming numbers in the box.
Whether you’re a high school coach looking to tighten up your run fits or a coordinator seeking smarter structure in 1-Man defense, Coach Tripp’s approach offers clarity, speed, and results.
For more information about the AFCA, visit www.AFCA.com. For more interesting articles, check out The Insider and subscribe to our weekly email.
If you are interested in more in-depth articles and videos, please become an AFCA member. You can find out more information about membership and specific member benefits on the AFCA Membership Overview page. If you are ready to join, please fill out the AFCA Membership Application.
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Barry Tripp, the Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator at Johnson C. Smith University, brings a wealth of experience and a sharp, streamlined philosophy to defensive football. With coaching stops at Fort Valley State, Fayetteville State, Greene Central High School (NC), and his alma mater, Winston-Salem State, Coach Tripp has built a system grounded in discipline, effort, and adaptability.
In this breakdown, Coach Tripp explains his defensive approach, anchored by his E.A.T. philosophy: Effort, Attitude, and Technique, and dives into the details of run fits, run fit terminology, and defending the inside zone.
Defensive Philosophy: Keep the Box Light, Play Fast
Coach Tripp’s primary defensive objective is simple yet effective: stop the run while keeping the box as light as possible. In his system, defending the run in a 1-Man structure (single high safety) allows more defenders to cover passing lanes, making the quarterback’s job significantly more difficult.
Speed and awareness are the pillars of Tripp’s philosophy. Instead of loading the box with defenders, he trains his unit to push the ball east and west, forcing offenses to earn every yard with perimeter plays. The key? Speed, leverage, and knowing your responsibilities.
Understanding Run Fits
Run fits are the building blocks of any successful front-seven defense. Coach Tripp teaches two main types of fits:
-
Home Fits: Defenders align and attack from their base position, with no need to adjust for extra gaps.
-
Plus Fits: Linebackers or safeties adjust their alignment to account for the presence of a tight end, fullback, or slot receiver, often creating an extra gap.
Core Run Fit Terminology
Coach Tripp emphasizes consistent language across his defensive unit. Here are some of the core terms he uses:
-
Condense – Close space and tighten run lanes
-
Expand/Stretch – Widen the front to handle outside zone or perimeter threats
-
Stab – Quick, direct fit into a gap to stop the run
-
Hammer / Nail – Physical downhill fits
-
Spill – Force the ball-carrier to bounce outside
-
Box – Contain the ball and force it inside
-
Force – Set the edge and turn runs back in
-
Fold – Second-level defender scraping inside or over the top
-
Primary / Secondary – First- and second-level responsibilities based on the offensive look
Inside Zone Defense: Leverage and Discipline
Inside zone is a staple of most offenses, and Coach Tripp believes it’s beatable with disciplined eyes and fast fits. He teaches defenders to play with horizontal leverage, understanding that gaps may move but responsibilities do not. By tying inside zone principles back to E.A.T., his players remain aggressive without getting out of position.
Coach Barry Tripp’s defensive system is built for today’s game, where offenses are fast, versatile, and constantly shifting. Through simple terminology, smart run fits, and an emphasis on effort and technique, Tripp gives his players the tools to succeed without relying on overwhelming numbers in the box.
Whether you’re a high school coach looking to tighten up your run fits or a coordinator seeking smarter structure in 1-Man defense, Coach Tripp’s approach offers clarity, speed, and results.
For more information about the AFCA, visit www.AFCA.com. For more interesting articles, check out The Insider and subscribe to our weekly email.
If you are interested in more in-depth articles and videos, please become an AFCA member. You can find out more information about membership and specific member benefits on the AFCA Membership Overview page. If you are ready to join, please fill out the AFCA Membership Application.
