It has been my observation that NFL and NCAA officials on the line tend to work on the field, if only just barely. The downfield guys are the ones who work off the field. I've worked on the sidelines at NFL games for a long time and I know the HL are on the field almost 100% of the time.
Then again, they have better marked fields, better lighting, better passers and receivers and usually a more open offensive plan.
My comments were directed at an extreme statement from a younger official. I think we need to be less rigid in our thinking and less in awe of the NFL and be a bit more adaptable. I believe in staying wide too - just not too wide.
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