Perhaps the most noteworthy change under Jones is a technique UW's cornerbacks are not using: lean and locate.
Defensive backs in college and the NFL use the technique, particularly on deep sideline routes. The goal is to lean back into the receiver and subtly restrict his path down the field.
"I know I was taught that when I was younger," Jones said, "lean on the receiver and cut the receiver off."
Jones doesn't teach the technique because he wants the defensive backs to be in better position to attack the ball in the air.
"It is difficult for a defensive back to become the wide receiver when he is leaning and locating," Jones said.
Jones explained that quarterbacks and receivers have countered the lean-and-locate technique in two ways. One is with the back-shoulder throw. The other is for the receiver to locate the ball first, let the defensive back past him, sometimes with a gentle shove, and then elevate to catch the ball.
"If you are leaning and locating you can't attack the ball at its highest point," Jones said. "You're off-balance.
"I just try to stress to become the receiver. And if you were a receiver and the ball was in the air, would you lean and locate? Or would you stay vertical and attack the ball at its highest point?"
Hillary noticed the difference immediately in practice.
"When you lean into the guy you tend to drop your arms," he said. "You're not pumping your arms as much and you're worried about him instead of worrying about the ball."
