[DJ_NV]

Is there any formal definition of an "eligible receiver" in the NCAA rulebook? The reason I ask is that in a pregame the other day, another official stated that for the purposes of awarding an auto. 1st down for holding, etc. against an eligible receiver, he thought that the ball needed to be passed in that vicinity. Of course if the holding occurred while the ball was in the air then it's DPI, but what about if before the ball is thrown? Yes it's holding, but when does the "against an eligible receiver" provision apply?

My feeling is that if a Team A player is eligible at the start of the down by position and/or number, then he's an eligible receiver unless he does something to lose his eligibility like going OOB, regardless of the ball.

thanks