4–4 defense

A top priority of the 4–4 defense is stopping the run by keeping eight men close to the line of scrimmage.

[2] Depending on the call and the personnel in place, Will’s job could be purely to get after the quarterback, play at linebacker depth, or to drop into coverage.

In the defenses of Virginia Tech, Sam is compared to a cornerback, and Will to a free safety, in terms of the personnel types preferred for this role.

[2] The cornerbacks are often on islands in man coverage or in a deep zone, and they need to possess exceptional speed and change of direction skills.

An example are the Virginia Tech teams of Frank Beamer and Justin Fuente, with Bud Foster serving as defensive coordinator under both.

[15][16] Another eight man front with four down linemen (most of the time) were "Erk" Russell's Junkyard Dog defense at Georgia under Vince Dooley.

[17] Dennis Therrell used a base 4–4 while serving as the defensive coordinator for the Army Black Knights in the early 2000s.

[20] Arnsparger, Bill, Armsparger's Coaching Defensive Football, St Lucie Press, 1999.

Foster, Bud, Cavanaugh, Jim, West, Lou and Wiles, Charlie Virginia Tech's Attack Defense in Proceedings, 76th AFCA Convention, American Football College Association, 1999.

Roman, Joe, The Complete Guide to Installing the 44 Split Defense, Coaches Choice, 1999.

Smith, Homer, Football Coach's Complete Offensive Playbook, Parker Publishing, 1987, Chapter 1.