What is the "Rover" position in college football?

Answer 1

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It is not usually referred to as the Rover anymore, as defenses have evolved. In past years (several decades ago) a rover was a strong safety in a 5 scheme ( 5 man line) -- which made him a hybrid linebacker/defensive back.

For example, in a 5-2 Monster Defense, the rover was the "monster". You had a 5 man line and 2 LBs, and the rover/strong safety/monster (or "The Wolfman" as he was known in Joe Paterno's defense of the late 60's/early 70's at Penn State) might line up on the offense's strong side, or on the wide side of the field, or in a position to "key" on the offenses top performer and go wherever he went.

In an older version of the 4-3 defense, the Rover was generally a defensive back who would rotate in a zone to come up and support on runing plays and cover the flats on passing plays.

However, in the 4-3, while the rover was a DB, the Monster was the Middle Linebacker.

You can still find a "rover" at the high school & small-college level, but not much any longer in major colleges.

Hope this answers your question.

Source(s):

24 years of H.S. football coaching. Much longer as a college and pro football fan.

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Asker's Comment:

thanks for the great answer

Answer 2

Troy Polamalu, John Lynch, Rodney Harrison, and Ronnie Lott are what you would call the Rover Position. A big Safety or CB who's almost a linebacker but can get in coverage (Urlacher). These guys have always supported the run and made big hits!!!!!!!

Answer 3

Rover is your outside, weakside linebacker in a 4-4 Defense.
made obsolete by the Multiple 4-3 Defense of Ohio state.

Also the safety in a Nickle/Monster Defense.

So it could be accurately said that he is a "hybrid" linebacker/saftey.

Not only used today in Colleges, but high schools, semi-pros, and the NFL.

Source(s):

5 years NCAA Linebacker
High School Coach
NCAA Linebackers Coach
Semi-pro Defensive Coordinator

Answer 4

A "Rover" (also known as the "DOG" position) is a hybrid saftey/linebacker. The "rover" position is prevalent in the 4-2-5 scheme, where the 5th defensive back plays the rover position. This player usually has linebacker size but defensive back speed.