If the offense lines up with twins to the left and a tight end to the right on the line, can the tight end go in motion to the left set up on the left end of the line and still be able to run the ball on a reverse?

[Edited by indian on Sep 25th, 2003 at 01:14 PM]

To do this:
1. If TE is on the end of the line, without having placed his hands on the ground, he must first set as a back.

2. TE can shift and set up on the line.

3. If he is NOT on the end of the line, the ball must first touch a back or the ground before he touches the ball

NF Rules:
A typical TE can put his hand down on or near the ground and still shift, as long as he is on the end of his line and as long as his shift doesn't simulate the snap.

Also, if the ball is handed BACKWARDS to the TE, there are no restrictions. A ball can be handed backwards to any other player at any time. If the QB hands it FORWARD, then we need more information.

Was your interpretation based on NF rules? Under NF rules, if he is an interior lineman, and if he is to receive a forward hand-off he must move his feet to make a half-turn to face his own goal line. There is no requirement that the ball touch a back, since as soon as the QB receives the snap, it has touched a back.

Also, as for the motion, if he is going to shift and reset, then it is not necessary for him to establish himself as a back first. This would only apply if he wanted to be in motion at the snap less than 5 yards off the LOS.