Football personnel and fronts, explained
Short, plain-language answers to the terms behind every college football depth chart: what 11 personnel means, how a 4-2-5 defense works, and how to read the two-deep. Each one ends with a builder preset so you can try it with a real roster.
- 11 Personnel
What is 11 personnel in football?
11 personnel is an offensive package with 1 running back, 1 tight end, and 3 wide receivers. Learn how the numbers work, why it dominates modern football, and how to build a depth chart around it.
Read - 12 Personnel
What is 12 personnel in football?
12 personnel puts 1 running back and 2 tight ends on the field with 2 wide receivers. See how it stresses a defense, when offenses use it, and how to build a 12 personnel depth chart.
Read - 10 Personnel
What is 10 personnel in football?
10 personnel means 1 running back, no tight ends, and 4 wide receivers. Learn where it came from, who uses it, and how to build a four-receiver depth chart.
Read - 21 Personnel
What is 21 personnel in football?
21 personnel puts 2 running backs and 1 tight end on the field with 2 receivers. Learn what the fullback does, why it is coming back, and how to build a 21 personnel depth chart.
Read - The Depth Chart
What is a depth chart in football?
A football depth chart lists the players at each position in the order they play: starter, backup, third string. Learn how to read one, what the two-deep is, and how to build your own.
Read - The 4-2-5 Defense
What is a 4-2-5 defense?
The 4-2-5 defense uses 4 down linemen, 2 linebackers, and 5 defensive backs. Learn why it became the base defense in college football and how to build a 4-2-5 depth chart.
Read - The 3-3-5 Defense
What is a 3-3-5 defense?
The 3-3-5 defense fields 3 down linemen, 3 linebackers, and 5 defensive backs. Learn how the stack front works, who runs it, and how to build a 3-3-5 depth chart.
Read - 4-3 vs. 3-4 Defense
What is the difference between a 4-3 and a 3-4 defense?
The 4-3 uses four linemen and three linebackers; the 3-4 uses three linemen and four linebackers. Compare the two base fronts and learn how each shapes a depth chart.
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