The ability to produce power during competition is essential. Football requires explosive power in order to get off the ball faster, increase speed of the first step, and increase the height of the vertical jump. Most strength training professionals use the back squat to increase power of the lower extremities; however, as large forces are placed on the back, athletes are at greater risk for injury. The trap bar dead lift is similar to the back squat in movement and form, but the trap bar dead lift reduces the force on the lower back. After testing for maximum vertical jump,athletes at Timpview High School participated in a strength program using either back squats or trap bar dead lift for seven weeks. A pre-test, mid-test and post-test were performed to calculate the increase in maximum vertical jump, if any. It was found that neither lift was significantly different than the other when testing for maximum vertical jump. These results will allow strength training professionals to use the trap bar dead lift instead of the back squats in subjects similar to those participating in the study.