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No Blindside Blocks. What's A Fella To Do?

IdaGriz01

Well-known member
Just saw another example of the new NCAA "blindside block is illegal" rule. The play was a kick return (which was the case for the other one I saw a few games back). With this rule, they've made it almost impossible for an "escort" blocker to hurry in from outside the play and do his job. "Gee, you're not looking my way, so I guess I just have to let you run down my ball-carrier. Maybe I can get away with a block in the back."

I get the "player safety" rationale, but they need to tinker with this rule so the blocker has some way to make a play ... legally.
 
I think blocker should slow-stop and screen our the tackler, instead of clobbering him. Let the tackler run into the screener.
 
PlayerRep said:
I think blocker should slow-stop and screen our the tackler, instead of clobbering him. Let the tackler run into the screener.
Yeah, something like that.

But in both (penalized) cases I've seen, the blocker is going flat-out to get into the play. He'd have to plant his foot (hoping he doesn't slip) to make a sharp turn to get in front of the pursuing player. I watched the "instructive" video the NCAA released, and it seemed like just reaching out to shove the guy – no lower-the-shoulder block – was going to get called.

The only practical answer might be for the would-be blocker to "guess" where the chase guy is headed and aim to get into that screening position.
 
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