Why is it called a stack defense?

Because the three linebackers line up directly behind the three defensive linemen, stacking the front and hiding where the pressure will come from.

Is the 3-3-5 good against the run?

It can be, but it depends on the nose tackle and on linebackers who can run and fit gaps quickly. The 3-3-5 gives up size for speed, so disciplined run fits matter more than in a four-down front.

The 3-3-5 Defense

What is a 3-3-5 defense?

The 3-3-5 is a defensive alignment with three defensive linemen, three linebackers, and five defensive backs. It is often called a stack defense because the linebackers line up directly behind the linemen. The 3-3-5 trades size up front for speed and disguise, and it has become a popular answer to spread offenses at every level of college football.

How the 3-3-5 works

With only three down linemen, the 3-3-5 relies on movement and pressure from unexpected places. Linebackers and safeties blitz from the stack, the nose eats double teams, and the defense can show the same look before the snap and play many different coverages or pressures after it. Offenses have a hard time identifying who the fourth rusher will be.

Who runs the 3-3-5

The modern 3-3-5 is associated with Joe Lee Dunn and later with programs like West Virginia, Iowa State under Matt Campbell and Jon Heacock, and a long list of Group of Five defenses that needed to get speed on the field against spread attacks. Many defenses now use 3-3-5 looks as a change-up even if their base is a 4-2-5.

The 3-3-5 depth chart

A 3-3-5 depth chart lists a nose and two defensive ends, three linebackers (often Mike, Will, and Sam or a hybrid), two corners, and three safeties or two safeties plus a nickel. Hybrid players who can play both safety and linebacker are the heart of the roster, so the two-deep in a 3-3-5 often has the same name listed at two different spots.

Frequently asked

Why is it called a stack defense?: Because the three linebackers line up directly behind the three defensive linemen, stacking the front and hiding where the pressure will come from.
Is the 3-3-5 good against the run?: It can be, but it depends on the nose tackle and on linebackers who can run and fit gaps quickly. The 3-3-5 gives up size for speed, so disciplined run fits matter more than in a four-down front.