Diagram 1 (click photo for larger image): The tight end seam route out of a shotgun/1-back/3 WR set against the Cover 2 defense.

It’s no secret that Virginia is armed with a fleet of talented tight ends. Tom Santi , Jonathan Stupar , and John Phillips are all proven performers while Joe Torchia is among a strong group of understudies. As matter of fact, Santi and Stupar are UVa’s two returning leaders in the passing game. So how can the Hoos use these players’ skills? One way is through the tight end seam route.

“I love it. I love running the seam,” Santi said. “It’s a dangerous play. It stretches the defense in ways that are very difficult for them to defend. It’s a good play.”

OK. All of that sounds good. But what the heck is the tight end seam route? This edition of ChalkTalk should help you grasp a basic understanding of this pass pattern.

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