Obviously Schurmer deserves credit for taking the principles of the 5-4 defense and extending them to the modern game.
However, the Eagle 5-4 defense was run by Rams' QB coach, Dick Corey, who used it as the head coach of Mater Dei high school in Santa Ana in the 60s.
And from what I gather (although I haven't confirmed it by looking it up for myself) the original defense was used by the 1954 Philadelphia Eagles.
If that latter tidbit it true, then how ironic the Rams beat the Eagles in 89 with it.
But my Dick Corey claim is true. I've watched old 8 mm film of Mater Dei running it. They won multiple CIF championships with it.
Current Mater Dei head coach, Bruce Rollinson, was a corner back there during the 60s.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/07/2020 08:26AM by Ekern55.
