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Click here to see the video: Football Defensive Line: Role of the Defensive End

Dennis Hill: The last man on the defensive line of scrimmage is the defensive end. He will play just outside of the last man on his side of the line. His responsibilities include rushing the quarterback in passing situations, stopping the run and defending against the triple option. His job is to penetrate the line of scrimmage, look inside at the ball action, where is the football going, he makes the decision at that time whether he is rushing the quarterback or whether he is going to take on an oncoming blocker and stop the run.

The most important responsibility for any defensive end is to keep contained. What I mean by “keep contained” is, he must keep his outside arm free at all time, he is the last line of defense against any play that goes to the sideline. So in the drill that we are about to do, you'll see how Jake will step forward, read the block coming toward him, shed an oncoming block with his inside hand while keeping his outside arm free so that he can keep contained of the ball carrier. So remember, if a play is coming his way, he is the last line of defense against the big play to the outside.