The hallmark of the Maryland I is the Isolation play (ISO).
The Maryland I-Formation is a variation of the traditional I-Formation, famously popularized by the University of Maryland under head coach Ralph Friedgen in the early 2000s, though its roots trace back to earlier power offenses.
The Maryland I-formation is a "heavy" power-running formation characterized by three players lined up in a straight line behind the quarterback. It is essentially a standard I-formation with an additional fullback or "sniffer" back, creating a high-pressure, balanced surface that forces defenses to protect the entire width of the field. Key Features of the Maryland I