35 Under 35 Presents | Ryan Olson, Northwestern | Center Fold Concept Off Midzone Run Play
March 12, 2025
Ryan Olson is currently an assistant coach at Northwestern University and is set to begin his first season with the program. Before joining Northwestern, he served as the Offensive Coordinator and Offensive Line Coach at South Dakota State University, where he completed his fourth season in 2024 with a 12-3 record and a trip to the FCS Semifinals. Before SDSU, Olson had coaching stints at Bemidji State, Buffalo, Iowa State, and Missouri Western State. He played his college football at Wisconsin-Whitewater. Coach Olson was a member of the 2025 AFCA 35 Under 35 class.
Center Fold Concept Off Mid-Zone Run Play
Advantages
- Creates lateral stretch and vertical cut lanes.
- Unique and challenging fit for linebackers and safeties.
- Offers multiple presentations and personnel groupings.
- Provides an easy read for the running back.
- Easily builds on Wide/Mid-Zone concepts.
Must-Haves
- Athletic center.
- Strong commitment to fundamentals.
Coach Olson typically introduces the Center Fold Concept after implementing the Mid-Zone (Wide or Outside Zone) due to their similar teaching methods. Both concepts share comparable outside perimeter blocking for receivers, mesh timing for the quarterback, and tight end roles. Olson demonstrates the play running to the right, including the open-side version of the Center Fold play. In his instructional video, he uses live game footage to detail the Center Fold concept.
Center Fold Rules
- PST (Play-Side Tackle): Man On; Catch Hand Reach (Midline Landmark).
- PSG (Play-Side Guard): Down Block (PS Armpit Landmark).
- Center: Horn Pull for ID Linebacker (PS Armpit Landmark).
- BSG/BST (Back-Side Guard/Tackle): B Combo to -1 Linebacker.
- Y (Tight End): Cut off Back-Side C Gap.
- RB (Running Back): Midline of PS Tight End or Ghost Tight End.
For more information about the AFCA, visit www.AFCA.com. For more interesting articles, check out The Insider and subscribe to our weekly email.
If you are interested in more in-depth articles and videos, please become an AFCA member. You can find out more information about membership and specific member benefits on the AFCA Membership Overview page. If you are ready to join, please fill out the AFCA Membership Application.
« « Previous PostNext Post » »
Ryan Olson is currently an assistant coach at Northwestern University and is set to begin his first season with the program. Before joining Northwestern, he served as the Offensive Coordinator and Offensive Line Coach at South Dakota State University, where he completed his fourth season in 2024 with a 12-3 record and a trip to the FCS Semifinals. Before SDSU, Olson had coaching stints at Bemidji State, Buffalo, Iowa State, and Missouri Western State. He played his college football at Wisconsin-Whitewater. Coach Olson was a member of the 2025 AFCA 35 Under 35 class.
Center Fold Concept Off Mid-Zone Run Play
Advantages
- Creates lateral stretch and vertical cut lanes.
- Unique and challenging fit for linebackers and safeties.
- Offers multiple presentations and personnel groupings.
- Provides an easy read for the running back.
- Easily builds on Wide/Mid-Zone concepts.
Must-Haves
- Athletic center.
- Strong commitment to fundamentals.
Coach Olson typically introduces the Center Fold Concept after implementing the Mid-Zone (Wide or Outside Zone) due to their similar teaching methods. Both concepts share comparable outside perimeter blocking for receivers, mesh timing for the quarterback, and tight end roles. Olson demonstrates the play running to the right, including the open-side version of the Center Fold play. In his instructional video, he uses live game footage to detail the Center Fold concept.
Center Fold Rules
- PST (Play-Side Tackle): Man On; Catch Hand Reach (Midline Landmark).
- PSG (Play-Side Guard): Down Block (PS Armpit Landmark).
- Center: Horn Pull for ID Linebacker (PS Armpit Landmark).
- BSG/BST (Back-Side Guard/Tackle): B Combo to -1 Linebacker.
- Y (Tight End): Cut off Back-Side C Gap.
- RB (Running Back): Midline of PS Tight End or Ghost Tight End.
For more information about the AFCA, visit www.AFCA.com. For more interesting articles, check out The Insider and subscribe to our weekly email.
If you are interested in more in-depth articles and videos, please become an AFCA member. You can find out more information about membership and specific member benefits on the AFCA Membership Overview page. If you are ready to join, please fill out the AFCA Membership Application.
