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Originally Posted by FootballRef05
Why did he run 5 more yards before the whistle was blown? I think the wing official would have had a great view of this and been able to blow the whistle when the runner stepped out. If so the "late hit" could have been avoided all together and if not, then flaged
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By the time you reach down and grab your whistle and blow it, the runner will be 5 yards if not more before you blow the whistle. Most players who run out of bounds have relaxed. In this case he is still running and is probably anticipating the hit. This seems like a bang bang play so I'd give the benefit to the defense on this play. If it's obvious that the defender would have known he stepped out even if the runner continues, then I'd flag it.