Trenchometry

Paul Horne aka The Trench Doctor

Welcome to "Trenchometry," the podcast where football's most crucial battles are won and lost. This isn't just another coaching show; it's a deep dive into the art and science of controlling the line of scrimmage. Join veteran offensive and defensive line coaches as they pull back the curtain on their most effective techniques, strategies, and drills. We'll share proven methods for developing the next generation of trench warriors—from Pop Warner to high school. Whether you're an O-line coach looking to create a dominant run game or a D-line coach focused on unlocking a relentless pass rush, this podcast is your ultimate playbook. Tune in to learn how to enhance your line's performance, elevate production on the field, and turn your unit into the backbone of your team.

  1. 6d ago

    #52 Garett Tujague: Wolfpack Snatching Souls

    Some offensive linemen protect the quarterback. Garett Tujague built entire careers around protecting a philosophy: win the trenches, win the war. NC State’s offensive run coordinator and offensive line coach joins Paul Horne for a deep, funny, and surprisingly honest conversation about the journey that shaped him - from a football-averse childhood and a late start in the game, to becoming an All-American at Chabot, a BYU standout protecting Ty Detmer, and a coach whose career has stretched across five institutions and 34 years.Tujague breaks down what really matters when recruiting and developing offensive linemen, why he filters prospects through three non-negotiables - length, athleticism, and nasty finish - and how he teaches his room to play fast, decisive, and violent without getting lost in overthinking. He explains why protection comes before passing concepts, why “WAC Champs” was the only goal that mattered at BYU, and how legendary coaches like Lavell Edwards shaped his approach to leadership, humility, and living in the moment. You’ll also hear the stories behind his stops at College of the Canyons, BYU, Virginia, and NC State, including the lessons he took from Bronco Mendenhall, the challenge of building culture during tragedy, and what makes Raleigh such a special football town. Along the way, Paul and Garett dig into offensive line personalities, game-day routines, favorite drills, and why the best rooms are always the funniest rooms.Garett Tujague is the offensive run coordinator and offensive line coach at NC State, where he helps power one of the ACC’s most physical fronts. He has coached bowl teams, record-setting offenses, and NFL talent across a long career defined by detail, toughness, and player development.Essential listening if you love offensive line play, coaching culture, or the kind of football wisdom that only comes from decades in the trenches. @coach2J @packfootball Fasthallpass.org @trenchdoctor @the_trench_doctor

  2. Sep 2

    #52 Tyler Rodden: Embracing a Family Legacy

    The offensive line is not just blocking - it's chess at light speed, family legacy, and the foundation of winning football. Tyler Rodden breaks down how he built a new program at Olathe West from scratch, turned a blank slate into a playoff contender, and teaches high school linemen to think, move, and compete like a unit.Paul Horne opens with the case for why the trenches decide everything, then Tyler shares the story behind a football life that started with three older brothers, a dad who wore No. 65, and a coaching path shaped by the mentors he followed from Olathe Northwest to Shawnee Mission South to Olathe West. Along the way, they get into the hidden work that actually changes a team: culture, trust, and the daily habits nobody sees. You'll discover: Why Tyler starts with mentality and culture before techniqueHow "Hog Heaven" Friday workouts create a true us-against-the-world edgeWhy high school offensive line coaching is different from college clinic adviceThe zone principles he uses to simplify complex run schemesHow muscle memory, stance comfort, and daily fundamentals help kids play faster under stressPaul and Tyler also dig into the realities of opening a brand new school, building cohesion across a young roster, and making sophomores into leaders before the first varsity seasons ever arrive. If you've ever wondered how a staff creates instant buy-in, or why some programs stay competitive even when everything is new, this conversation gives you the blueprint.And because this is trench life, the episode does not stay all serious. Tyler shares the emotional meaning behind wearing No. 65, the locker-room Christmas music story that nearly sparked a fight, his pregame country-song ritual, and why pepperoni pizza still wins every time. Essential listening for coaches, offensive linemen, and anyone who loves the behind-the-scenes psychology of great teams. fasthallpass.org www.olatheschools.org/west @olathewestowls

  3. Aug 26

    #51 Chad Johnson: From Blocking LB Stacks to Sharing in a Substack

    Offensive line coaching is not just teaching blocks, it's building a system that actually shows up on Friday night. Coach Chad Johnson breaks down how he turned years of notes, drills, and game-day details into a massive plug-and-play resource coaches can use immediately - from stance and starts to zone combos, stunt answers, and situational game-day charts.If you're a young offensive line coach, a coordinator trying to simplify your install, or a veteran coach who wants better organization and sharper teaching, this conversation is loaded with practical takeaways. Chad explains how he built Game Day Systems, why he organizes everything around identity and non-negotiables, and how his Substack grew into hundreds of resources, weekly coaching journals, and detailed breakdowns that help coaches transfer knowledge from the notebook to the field. You'll discover: How Chad built his offensive line vault from a simple clock-management form that exploded on social mediaWhy he believes coaches fail when they know a lot but can't teach it clearlyThe system he uses to build an offensive line from the ground up, starting with identity, practice structure, and daily standardsHow he teaches zone footwork, combos, and when to come off on linebacker workWhy repetition beats novelty, and why some of the best coaching happens in the boring details most people skipCoach Paul Horne also shares hard-earned lessons from the trenches, including why a drill only matters if you can find it on film, why bad habits have to be coached out early, and why offensive line development is really about making the game simpler, not fancier.Chad also opens up about his journey from Sterlington, Louisiana, to Neville High School in Monroe, where he's helped mold elite tackle prospects like Will Campbell and Lance Hurd. Along the way, he shares the real story behind his coaching philosophy, the lessons learned from wins and painful losses, and the humor and personality that come with coaching some of the most unique characters in football.This one is essential listening if you coach offensive line, run an up-tempo or zone-based offense, or just want a better process for turning ideas into results. By the end, you'll walk away with a sharper way to think about practice, teaching, and what it really takes to own the trenches. X/Twitter: @coach_ChadJohnTikTok: @coachChadJohnSubstack: https://gamedaysystems.substack.com?utm_source=navbar&utm_medium=web

  4. Aug 25

    #50 Indiana State Sycamores: Approaching an Unforgiving FCS Gauntlet

    The Indiana State Sycamores are walking into one of the toughest gauntlets in FCS football, and Drew Page and Andy Hertlein are ready to meet it head-on in the trenches. If you care about offensive line play, Missouri Valley grind, or what it really takes to survive a schedule loaded with ranked opponents, this episode is for you. Drew Page and Andy Hertlein break down the mindset behind an offensive line that has to communicate fast, stay physical, and reset every week against elite competition. With a season opener against Southeast Missouri, a marquee trip to Purdue, and conference battles that could define the playoff picture, the pressure is real - and so is the belief inside the room. You'll discover: Why Indiana State feels different this year after a full offseason in the systemHow the Sycamores built chemistry through team competitions, bowling, Spider-Man, and camp bondingWhat it means to play center and guard in a tempo offense where every pre-snap detail mattersHow Drew and Andy handle the mental and physical toll of camp, reps, and constant position flexibilityWhy the Missouri Valley Conference turns even a 6-6 season into a postseason raceDrew shares what it’s like to be the veteran in the room, balancing leadership, snap responsibility, and the reality of a brutal workload. Andy opens up about stepping into a bigger role, learning to slow the game down, and leaning on Drew’s experience while adjusting to the demands up front. Together, they give a clear look at the trust, toughness, and communication required to anchor an offense built to go fast and hit first. This conversation also gives you a rare window into the human side of a college football season - the long days, the inside jokes, the family ties, and the small moments that turn a locker room into a unit. If you want a smarter, more honest look at how an offensive line prepares for a year that could end in playoff football, this is essential listening.Perfect for fans of college football, offensive line play, and underdog teams with real postseason ambitions. As always: master the trench, win the war. @Ahertlein8 @Drewwpagee @ISUFB @indstfb @indstateathletics gosycamores.com

  5. Aug 19

    #49 Darrell Crouch: A Journey to the Hall of Fame

    Offensive line play is chess at light speed, and Coach Darrell Crouch has spent a lifetime teaching players how to win the war in the trenches. From his own transition from defensive standout to all-conference tackle, to building a 155-win high school program and launching Hogs and Dogs Lineman Academy, Crouch breaks down what it really takes to develop tough, intelligent linemen who can move people and change games.Paul Horne and Darrell Crouch dig into the mindset, technique, and coaching habits that separate good line play from dominant line play. You’ll discover why toughness has to be an expectation, how daily fundamentals like stance, start, footwork, and hand placement never stop mattering, and why the best linemen are often the ones who outwork everyone else. Crouch also shares how he built practices around inside run, film study, competition, and a simple but relentless focus on the few corrections that actually matter.You’ll hear how Washington became a physical, run-first program, why flexibility and smart game planning beat forcing a system onto the wrong roster, and how one early idea - his “13 Ice Pop” concept - anticipated the modern RPO long before it had a name. The conversation also gets practical: sled work, recruiting realities, player development, why in-season lifting matters, and how to identify whether a young lineman truly belongs on the field.Along the way, Crouch opens up about the sacrifices behind coaching, the challenge of college recruiting, and the bigger mission that keeps him teaching even in retirement: helping young athletes become accountable, resilient, and better men. If you coach offensive line, train linemen, or just love the brutal beauty of trench football, this episode is packed with usable ideas and hard-earned wisdom. Paul Horne is the host of Trenchometry, where he explores the craft and culture of offensive line play. Darrell Crouch is a Hall of Fame Illinois coach, former head coach at Washington Community High School, and founder of Hogs and Dogs Lineman Academy, known for building tough, disciplined line play and successful high school programs. Perfect for offensive line coaches, linemen, and football junkies who want more than slogans - they want a blueprint for winning up front. Insta- @dcseven7 X- coachcrouchhof TikTok- Hawgs.and.Dawgs Facebook- hawgs.and.dawgs

  6. Aug 12

    #48 Jordan Felippelli: The "No Swag" Swag Approach!

    The offensive line is chess at light speed, and if you want to understand how trenches really decide games, this episode is for you. Coach Jordan Filippelli breaks down the brutal truth about line play, player development, and why the teams that win up front usually win the war.What starts as a conversation about Canadian football quickly turns into a masterclass in offensive line mindset. Jordan shares how Alberta and U Sports develop big, physical linemen, why so many players get exposed when they stop doing the work, and what really changes when you go from high school to college, from college to pro, and then from player to coach. You'll discover: Why Canadian football creates chaos faster than most American fans expectThe difference between real offensive line development and empty drill workWhy five-man sleds and old-school shoots can build bad habitsHow inside zone, gap scheme, and double-team work actually get taughtWhat makes fronts, stunts, and blitzes so hard to handle when the defense keeps changing the pictureJordan also opens up about his own path - from academic struggles and a major weight loss transformation to being drafted by Ottawa, choosing school over the CFL, and eventually realizing coaching was the right next step. He talks candidly about the pressure of leading young linemen, learning to communicate and evaluate like a coach, and surviving seasons where injuries force you to rebuild the unit on the fly.If you coach offensive line, play in the trenches, or just love the details that decide football games, this one delivers real insight with no fluff. It's especially valuable for anyone who wants to understand how linemen are built, how coaches think, and why the smallest details in technique and communication can change everything.Jordan Filippelli is an offensive line coach with the Alberta Golden Bears, formerly with UBC, where he helped develop future NFL linemen. He also brings experience from the Calgary Dinos, Ottawa Redblacks, Bev Facey High School, and Team Alberta U16, giving him a rare perspective across every level of the game. Instagram: @Coach_filly X-: Bigfilly67 https://bearsandpandas.ca/sports/football/roster/coaches/jordan-filippelli/1861

  7. Aug 5

    #47 Rafael Aguilar: From GA to state finalist, a journey of applying wisdom and knowledge

    Unlock the secrets of dominating the trenches and transforming your offensive line play with insights from Coach Rafael Aguilar, a rising star in high school football coaching. From his journey starting in Sacramento to coaching elite linemen across college programs and now shaping the future at Choctaw High in Oklahoma, Rafael reveals how mastery of the basics can change everything In this episode, he shares practical drills that develop movement, power, and fit—crucial for young linemen and seasoned veterans alike. Discover his foundational approach to stance, first steps, and punch that turns raw talent into game-changing strength. Rafael emphasizes that consistent reps, routine, and innovation—like med ball training and creative redirect drills—are key to unlocking power and speed in the trenches.We break down tactical thoughts: how to adjust your scheme based on personnel, the importance of clear communication (even understanding if your lineman has a "baby"), and the delicate balance of routine and adaptation in-season versus spring practice. Gain perspective on scheming with duo, zone variations, and even unorthodox concepts like crunch or influence trap that push evolution.This episode is essential for offensive line coaches, players eager to elevate technique, and football enthusiasts craving a deeper understanding of one of the game’s most undervalued units. Rafael’s personal stories—sleeping in stadiums, learning Hawaiian culture, and building a linemen academy—add flavor and real-world grit.Get ready to unlock the discipline, innovation, and passion it takes to master the line, because when you control the trenches, you win the war. Tune in now—your best offensive line is waiting. Rafael Aguilar was the offensive line coach and run game coordinator at Choctaw High School in Oklahoma. He has now moved on to be the OC at American River College, returning to his alma mater. With background experience from Washington State, Hawaii, and multiple college programs, he's known for producing NFL draft choices, bowl teams, and developing the next generation of linemen. @rafaelAguilar @football_POA

  8. Jul 29

    #46 Justin Bisson: Paving the Way with a Better Attitude, Bigger Attitude, & Stronger Than You

    Most teams overlook the true secret to winning—whether in football or in life: mastering the trenches. Justin Bisson, Maine’s new head coach at Lewiston High, reveals how controlling the line of scrimmage is more than just technique—it’s attitude, discipline, and relentless competition. His story is a testament to perseverance, balance, and leadership—juggling a demanding job, coaching for 28 years, and building a team from the bottom up, all while embracing his players' unique personalities and grit. You'll discover: how a coach’s discipline and love for the game shape high school athletes into confident leaders; the power of competition to ignite a relentless attitude; the mindset that pushes linemen to be "bigger than you, meaner than you, and stronger than you." Justin shares his innovative approaches to blocking, film study, and developing a winning culture—lessons that go far beyond football. This episode is essential for coaches, players, and anyone hungry to understand the real work behind victory—embracing the grind, building relationships, and transforming a team through leadership and passion. If you believe greatness happens in the trenches, this conversation will leave you inspired to step up your game—on the field, in your community, and in life. Perfect for coaches seeking fresh ideas, players dreaming of leadership, and fans who love a good fight—that’s where champions are made. Remember: master the trenches, win the war. Keywords football coaching, offensive line, leadership, Maine high school football, coaching techniques, team building, offensive schemes, player development Key Topics Offensive line fundamentals and techniques Team leadership and player development Simplified offensive schemes and drills Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Trenchometry and Coaching Journey 03:05 Balancing Work and Coaching Responsibilities 05:53 Film Study and Game Preparation 08:47 Understanding Maine's High School Football Structure 11:58 Coaching Philosophy and Offensive Line Development 14:32 Offensive Strategy and Attitude Building 17:42 Techniques and Drills for Offensive Linemen 20:30 Combo Blocks and Game Situations 27:31 Inside Leg and Communication in Blocking 30:17 Pass Protection Techniques and Drills 34:42 Game Preparation and Avoiding Catastrophic Mistakes 40:26 Offensive Play Calling and Strategy 46:02 Leadership Development in Football 50:17 Building Relationships and Team Culture 55:56 Humor and Character in the Offensive Line

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Welcome to "Trenchometry," the podcast where football's most crucial battles are won and lost. This isn't just another coaching show; it's a deep dive into the art and science of controlling the line of scrimmage. Join veteran offensive and defensive line coaches as they pull back the curtain on their most effective techniques, strategies, and drills. We'll share proven methods for developing the next generation of trench warriors—from Pop Warner to high school. Whether you're an O-line coach looking to create a dominant run game or a D-line coach focused on unlocking a relentless pass rush, this podcast is your ultimate playbook. Tune in to learn how to enhance your line's performance, elevate production on the field, and turn your unit into the backbone of your team.

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