Technical Pass Protection Drills for a More Physical Offensive Line

with Chris Klenakis;
Vanderbilt Offensive Line Coach;
2025 FootballScoop Offensive Line Coach of the Year;
Kennesaw State Offensive Coordinator / Offensive Line Coach (2023);
Liberty Offensive Line Coach (2022);
South Alabama Quality Control Analyst (2021);
Louisville Tight Ends / Offensive Line Coach (2014-2018);
Louisville Co-Offensive Coordinator (2016);
Iowa State Offensive Line Coach (2013);
Arkansas Offensive Line Coach (2010-2012);
Nevada Offensive Coordinator / Offensive Line Coach (2004-2009);
Central Missouri Offensive Coordinator (2003);
Southern Miss Offensive Coordinator (2000-2002);
Nevada Assistant Coach / Offensive Coordinator (1990-1999);
Churchill County (NV) HS Head Coach (1987-1989);
2x Nevada HS Coach of the Year;
First Division-I Offensive Coordinator to lead the nation in both rushing and passing during his career;
Developed 24 NFL offensive linemen as a college OL coach;
Helped develop Lamar Jackson and Colin Kaepernick into elite dual-threat quarterbacks;
2009 Nevada offense featured three 1,000-yard rushers - the only team in NCAA history to accomplish the feat

Pass protection is one of the most critical elements of offensive football, and the ability to build a physical, confident, and technically sound offensive line can define the success of an entire offense.

In this detailed instructional video, Vanderbilt offensive line coach Chris Klenakis shares the core pass protection drills and coaching methods developed throughout his 41-year coaching career.

This video focuses on building aggressive offensive linemen who can protect the quarterback with confidence, control, and discipline. At the center of the teaching is the Hard Set philosophy a technique that trains linemen to attack pressure rather than retreat from it.

Coach Klenakis explains how passive sets can leave offensive linemen vulnerable and instead teaches a proactive approach built on movement toward defenders, controlled aggression, and violent hand strikes at contact. This mindset shift becomes the foundation for developing a more physical and effective pass protection unit.

A major focus of the video is drill progression, beginning with individual fundamentals and building toward coordinated unit execution. The Punch Drill serves as a foundational teaching tool for developing hand placement, timing, and strike power before progressing into game-like protection situations.

Key teaching areas include:

• Hard Set techniques that reinforce aggressive posture and eliminate backward retreat
• Punch Drill progressions that develop strong, accurate, and violent hand strikes
• Footwork and positioning that support balance, control, and protection integrity
• Communication and coordination between center and guard for interior protection consistency
• Stunt recognition and response for handling loopers, penetrators, and pressure schemes

Coach Klenakis also provides detailed instruction on training offensive linemen to recognize defensive movement and respond with proper timing and communication. Special emphasis is placed on the relationship between interior linemen, ensuring the center and guards function as a cohesive unit against pressure.

Throughout the video, coaches will gain a clear framework for organizing pass protection training sessions that develop both technical skill and mental toughness. The emphasis remains on building a unit capable of executing aggressively and consistently under pressure.

This instructional video delivers a complete system for developing offensive linemen who are physical, disciplined, and confident in pass protection while giving coaches proven drills and teaching methods to elevate performance in the trenches.

74 minutes. 2026.