Is Corey Batoon proficient in his role?
Clearly, evaluating the effectiveness of any coaching hire made by a school is challenging until you observe them in action. However, reviewing their past performance can provide insight into their potential impact in a new setting like CoMo.
For our assessment, let’s disregard Batoon’s coordinator roles at Northern Arizona and Hawai’i. These positions predated Twitter and were at a school facing financial constraints and recruiting challenges due to its geographical location. While they offer interesting insights, they may not be highly relevant at this point.
Batoon served as Kane Wommack’s defensive coordinator for three years: 2021, 2022, and 2023. Wommack is highly respected in football coaching circles for his strategic acumen and work ethic. Though it’s difficult to discern individual contributions within the defensive staff at South Alabama, Batoon’s tenure provides some clues regarding his defensive philosophy and play-calling tendencies.
Firstly, let’s delve into defensive scheme:
It appears that South Alabama predominantly utilized a 3-3-5 base defense, a system popularized by Rocky Long. This alignment emphasizes speed and versatility, particularly advantageous for teams with limited access to top-tier linemen. While it confuses offensive protections and requires thoughtful preparation, it might not align with Missouri’s current defensive personnel.
Considering statistical performance:
South Alabama’s defensive trajectory over the past three years warrants examination. Under Batoon’s guidance, the team exhibited fluctuations in defensive efficiency. Notably, while rushing defense improved consistently, passing defense posed challenges, especially regarding explosive plays.
Assessing various defensive situations:
Analysis of South Alabama’s performance on standard and passing downs reveals intriguing patterns. Batoon’s defense displayed aggression on passing downs, resulting in a mix of big plays and vulnerabilities. However, third-down conversion rates and red zone defense remained areas of concern, indicative of inconsistency in executing defensive strategies.
In summary:
Batoon’s tenure at South Alabama showcased strengths in rushing defense and an aggressive approach on passing downs. However, vulnerabilities persisted, particularly in defending explosive passing plays and sustaining pressure on third downs. While statistical analysis offers insights, the holistic evaluation of defensive effectiveness encompasses coaching philosophy, player development, and adaptability to diverse opponents.
Looking ahead:
Eli Drinkwitz’s decision to hire Batoon likely reflects shared defensive principles and Batoon’s experience in navigating football’s complexities. The true measure of this coaching hire will unfold over time, as Batoon integrates with Missouri’s defensive unit and tailors strategies to maximize player potential. As observers, we anticipate how Batoon’s schemes and adjustments will influence Missouri’s defensive identity in the seasons to come.
