At a referee's meeting last night at my organization here in Turkey (NCAA rules) it was said that defensive players could dive at the feet of the leading blockers on a "sweep", "end-around" etc. type of play - and basically cut them down, since it was basically a "block-below-the-waist". To me it seems that this would constitute more of a "tackle" than a block (hence illegal), especially when the defensive player showed no attempt to reach the ball carrier, but simply wanted to cut the blocker in front of him.

Can defensive players dive at the feet as I such described? Can offensive leading blockers do likewise? If the answers are no, could someone please provide specific rule numbers explaining why not?

Thank you for any help you can provide.

Regards,
Kerem Ates
Gazi Warriors Ankara - Turkey

This question from you was adequately answered on the McGriff discussion board. Take a look there.