Eight men on the line

[bsaucer]

Originally Posted by Altor

This formation gets flagged on Sundays sometimes, I think because they have rules that certain numbers must be eligible unless they announce them as ineligible.

I think that's the part I'm unsure about. Should it be flagged?

[BoomerSooner]

Originally Posted by bsaucer

I think that's the part I'm unsure about. Should it be flagged?

So the reason it gets flagged is that the NFL requires that all of the players between the players on each end of the line be ineligible whether by number or after having reported as ineligible. So when this gets flagged it is usually because a player with an eligible number is “covered” by another player on the end of the line. The penalty is still considered an illegal formation, but it isn’t specifically for having 8 players on the line.

[HLin NC]

NFL rule set can be totally different in some instances.

[bsaucer]

If either the TE or WR shift to the backfield before the snap, is that legal, and does it make the TE eligible to go downfield?

[ajmc]

Originally Posted by bsaucer

If either the TE or WR shift to the backfield before the snap, is that legal, and does it make the TE eligible to go downfield?

Under the NFHS Rule Code, If "the lineman, next to the tackle, but inside the WR on the line (who is NOT A "TIGHT END"), legally shifts to become a "Back", and happens to be wearing an eligible pass reception number, he would be eligible to go wherever he wants prior to, or during a forward pass.

Accurately knowing who players on the field actually are, as defined in NFHS 2-32 can be really helpful in understanding what they are permitted to do.

[bsaucer]

Originally Posted by ajmc

Under the NFHS Rule Code, If "the lineman, next to the tackle, but inside the WR on the line (who is NOT A "TIGHT END"), legally shifts to become a "Back", and happens to be wearing an eligible pass reception number, he would be eligible to go wherever he wants prior to, or during a forward pass.

Accurately knowing who players on the field actually are, as defined in NFHS 2-32 can be really helpful in understanding what they are permitted to do.

What about NFL rules?