25-second Count with 4-man

[Ed Hickland]

I hate flags, after all, nobody came to the game to see me.

For those who work 5-man mechanics the BJ indicates 5-seconds remaining to whomever cares. His position is in the field of view of the QB, the one player who can stop his team from being penalized.

In 4-man mechanics the R has the 25-second clock and he stands in back of the QB. You can't give the 25-second clock to the U, he has enough to do.

Personally, I think 5-seconds is too short. As the R I give a verbal "10 seconds" if the team has not started to call signals. If the QB is snapping at 23 to 24 seconds I kindly let him and his coach know they are close on time.

I am interested in hearing how others who unfortunately work 4-man mechanics handle the 25-second clock.