Position Descriptions:
Center & Nose Tackle (C/NT):
Fullback & Mac Linebacker (FB/MLB):
- The Center is the player who begins the play from scrimmage by snapping the ball to a back. As the name implies, the Center always plays in the middle of the offensive line. Like all offensive lineman, the Center has the responsibility to block defensive players. The Center often also has the responsibility to call out blocking assignments and make last second adjustments depending on the defensive alignment.
- The Nose Tackle is the lineman across from the Center who tries to get past the offensive-line or take double team and open holes for blitzes. The Nose Tackle often also has the responsibility to call out assignments and make last second adjustments depending on the offensive alignment.
- The Offensive Guard play on the right side of the Center. Their role is primarily to block on both running and passing plays. The area from one tackle to the other is an area of "close line play" in which blocks from behind, which are prohibited elsewhere on the field, are allowed. For a right-handed quarterback, the left tackle is charged with protecting the quarterback from being hit from behind (known as his "blind side"), and this is usually the most skilled player on the offensive line. On some plays, rather than blocking straight ahead, a Guard will "pull", whereby the Guard comes out of his position in line to lead block for a ball carrier, on plays known as "traps" (for inside runs), or "sweeps" (for outside runs), or "screens" (for passing plays).
- The two Defensive Ends play next to the Nose Tackle, at the edges of the defensive line. Their function is to attack the passer or stop offensive runs to the outer edges of the line of scrimmage (most often referred to as "containment"). The faster of the two is usually placed on the right side of the defensive line (quarterback's left) because that is a right-handed quarterback's blind side.
- Tight ends play on the left side of the Center. They are considered hybrid players, something between a wide receiver and an offensive lineman. Because they play next to the other offensive lineman, they are frequently called on to block, but they may also catch passes.
- The two Defensive Ends play next to the Nose Tackle, at the edges of the defensive line. Their function is to attack the passer or stop offensive runs to the outer edges of the line of scrimmage (most often referred to as "containment"). The faster of the two is usually placed on the right side of the defensive line (quarterback's left) because that is a right-handed quarterback's blind side.
Fullback & Mac Linebacker (FB/MLB):
- Fullbacks line up behind the offensive line, who are in position to receive the ball from the quarterback and execute a rushing play in short yardage situations, or catch a pass on a passing play, or block for the Quarterback. One Fullback is usually utilized on a play, but sometimes even none are used, a situation typically known as an "empty backfield". Fullbacks are often used as one of the two main returners in kickoffs due to their size and limited running role on offensive plays.
- The Mac Linebacker is often known as the "quarterback of the defense", as they are frequently the primary defensive play callers and must react to a wide variety of situations. Mac linebackers must be capable of stopping Fullbacks who make it past the defensive line, covering pass plays over the middle, and rushing the quarterback on blitz plays.
- The Wide Receivers are pass-catching specialists. Their main job is to run pass routes and get open for a pass, although they are occasionally called on to block. Wide receivers generally line up split "wide" near the sidelines at the start of the play. Wide receivers, like running backs, come in different varieties depending on exactly where they line up. A wide receiver who is directly on the line of scrimmage is called a "split end", and is counted among the seven required players on the line of scrimmage. A wide receiver who lines up behind the line (and thus counts as one of the four backs) is called the "flanker". A wide receiver who lines up between the outermost wide receiver and the offensive line is said to be "in the slot" and is called the "slot receiver". One Wide Receiver is used as one of the two main returners in kickoffs due to their superior catching abilities.
- The Jack Linebacker lines up on the same side as the Fullback and often is responsible for covering either the Quarterback, Fullback, or a Wide Receiver who manages to break away from a Cornerback on pass plays.
- The Wide Receivers are pass-catching specialists. Their main job is to run pass routes and get open for a pass, although they are occasionally called on to block. Wide receivers generally line up split "wide" near the sidelines at the start of the play. Wide receivers, like running backs, come in different varieties depending on exactly where they line up. A wide receiver who is directly on the line of scrimmage is called a "split end", and is counted among the seven required players on the line of scrimmage. A wide receiver who lines up behind the line (and thus counts as one of the four backs) is called the "flanker". A wide receiver who lines up between the outermost wide receiver and the offensive line is said to be "in the slot" and is called the "slot receiver".
- Typically two Cornerbacks primarily cover the wide receivers. Cornerbacks attempt to prevent successful quarterback passes by either swatting the airborne ball away from the receiver or by catching the pass themselves. In rushing situations, their job is to contain the runner, either by directing him back to the middle of the field to be tackled, by tackling him themselves, or by forcing him out of bounds.
- The Quarterback is the player who receives the ball from the center to start the play. The most important position on the offensive side, the Quarterback is usually responsible for receiving the play from the coaches on the sideline and communicating the play to the other offensive players in the huddle. The Quarterback may need to make changes to the play at the line of scrimmage (known as an "audible"), depending on the defensive alignment. At the start of the play, the Quarterback may be lined up in one of two positions. If he is positioned directly in contact with the center, and receive the ball via direct hand-to-hand pass, he is said to be "under center". If he is lined up some distance behind the center, he is said to be "in the shotgun". Upon receiving the snap, the Quarterback has three basic options to advance the ball. He may run the ball himself, he may hand it to another eligible ball carrier to run with it, or he may execute a forward pass to a player downfield.
- The Safety is the last line of defense (farthest from the line of scrimmage) and usually help the corners with deep-pass coverage. The Safety is usually the largest and strongest of the defensive backs, providing extra protection against run plays and is usually the deepest player on the defense, providing help on long pass plays.
- Also called the "placekicker", he handles kickoffs, extra points, and field goal attempts. All situations require the kicker to kick the ball off of the ground, either from the hands of a "holder" or off of a "tee" or drop kick the ball like rugby players.