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In this episode of Muscles and Management, Gerry is joined by Matt Gebert, newly appointed strength and conditioning coach for Auburn Football, previously at Arizona. Matt brings a deep dive into real-world speed development for football players, with a focus on position-specific programming, sprint mechanics, and how to effectively use the high/low model for both performance and injury prevention.

They break down:

• The SMAS sprint mechanics scoring system: a free and objective way to evaluate and improve sprinting posture and efficiency
• Sprint training for linemen vs. skill positions: why all positions need sprint exposure—but not in the same way
• The “butt-kick epidemic” in football and how to correct poor front-side mechanics
• Blending acceleration and max velocity days, and how to match plyometric and strength work to ground contact demands
• High/low training structure in the off-season vs. in-season, and how to individualize workloads based on playing time
• Speed testing and leaderboards to increase athlete engagement and competitive drive

Matt also shares how to handle athlete autonomy on game day, how to create buy-in without micromanaging, and yes—how one NFL athlete used tomatoes in a bizarre pre-game routine.

This one is packed with practical strategies for organizing large football rosters, individualizing training based on need and position, and pushing athletic performance while keeping guys healthy.

Timestamps:

• 0:00 – Intro to the Episode and Guest, Matt Gebert
• 3:17 – Foundational Training and Social Media Gimmicks
• 6:33 – Influence of Joe DeFranco and Cam Josse on Matt’s Approach
• 9:46 – Sprint Mechanics Assessment (SMAS): Objective Speed Analysis
• 14:25 – Addressing Positional Differences: Linemen vs. Skill Players
• 20:00 – Butt-Kicking Epidemic and Front/Back Side Mechanics
• 23:37 – Using Cues vs. Addressing Physical Limitations
• 27:16 – Sprint Training Design for Linemen: 2 Accel Days + Adjusted MaxV
• 30:08 – Ground Contact Matching in Plyometrics and Lifts
• 32:49 – High/Low Programming Model in the Off-Season
• 34:54 – In-Season Adjustments and Stress Regulation with Practice
• 39:46 – Lifting Structure Based on Player Participation
• 40:34 – Game Day Warm-Up Structure and Athlete Autonomy
• 44:38 – Craziest Game Day Routine: The Tomato Knees
• 45:50 – Weekly Speed Days, Testing Setups, and Competition Culture
• 51:35 – Extracting Peak Output: Why Competition Drives Performance
• 52:32 – Final Thoughts and Coaching Philosophy

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