Also Called QB
The offensive player who takes the snap and starts nearly every play by handing off, passing or running. Quarterbacks also make calls at the line.
How ScoutIQ Uses This Grades are broken out by position.
Related Shotgun · Under Center · RPO
Also Called RB, Tailback, HB
The main ball carrier lined up in the backfield. Running backs also catch passes and help block blitzing defenders.
How ScoutIQ Uses This Grades are broken out by position.
Related Fullback · Inside Zone · Draw
Also Called FB
A backfield player, usually lined up in front of the running back, whose main job is to lead block. Fullbacks also get short carries and catch the occasional pass.
How ScoutIQ Uses This Grades are broken out by position.
Related I-Formation · Power · Running Back
Also Called WR, X, Z, Slot
A pass catcher who lines up out wide or in the slot. The X usually lines up on the line of scrimmage, the Z a step off it, and the Slot between the outside receiver and the line.
How ScoutIQ Uses This Grades are broken out by position.
Also Called TE, Y
A player who usually lines up next to the offensive tackle and does two jobs: blocking like a lineman and running routes like a receiver.
How ScoutIQ Uses This Grades are broken out by position.
Related Seam · Singleback · Offensive Line
Also Called OL, C, G, T, Center, Guard, Tackle
The five blockers up front. The center snaps the ball, the guards line up on each side of the center, and the tackles line up outside the guards.
How ScoutIQ Uses This Grades are broken out by position.
Related Inside Zone · False Start · Holding
Also Called DL, DT, NT, DE, Nose Tackle, Defensive End
The defenders who line up across from the offensive line. Defensive tackles play inside, a nose tackle lines up over the center, and defensive ends play on the edges.
How ScoutIQ Uses This Grades are broken out by position.
Also Called LB, Mike, Will, Sam
Defenders who line up behind the defensive line to stop runs, cover passes and blitz. The Mike is the middle linebacker, the Will plays the weak side, and the Sam plays the strong side, where the tight end is.
How ScoutIQ Uses This Grades are broken out by position.
Related Blitz · Tampa 2 · Zone Blitz
Also Called CB, Corner
A defensive back who usually lines up across from a wide receiver near the sideline. Corners cover passes and help force runs back inside.
How ScoutIQ Uses This Grades are broken out by position.
Related Press · Off Coverage · Cover 1
Also Called Nickelback, Star
A fifth defensive back, usually brought in for a linebacker, who covers the slot receiver. The name comes from having five defensive backs on the field.
How ScoutIQ Uses This Grades are broken out by position.
Related Cornerback · Wide Receiver
Also Called S, FS, SS, Free Safety, Strong Safety
The deepest defenders, the last line against big plays. The free safety usually guards the deep middle, and the strong safety plays closer to the line on the tight end's side and helps against the run.
How ScoutIQ Uses This Grades are broken out by position.
Also Called K, Placekicker
The specialist who kicks field goals, extra points and usually kickoffs. Kickers need the same motion every time under pressure.
Related Long Snapper · Punter
Also Called P
The specialist who catches a long snap and kicks the ball out of their hands to the other team, usually on fourth down. Good punts pin opponents deep in their own territory.
Related Long Snapper · Kicker
Also Called LS
The specialist who snaps the ball back to the holder on kicks and to the punter on punts. A bad snap can ruin any kick, so accuracy matters most.