Can someone please answer this question? If an offensive lineman lines up in the nuetral zone, is it offsides or false start? Also, if it is offsides, then is it a dead ball foul?

[Edited by hank0592 on Nov 14th, 2004 at 10:39 PM]

it is encroachment (offsides) and yes it is a deadball foul...I don't have my books with me, so I can't give a reference, but the statement is similar to no one shall be in the neutral zone after the ready for play....

NF 7-1-6 "Following the RFP and after the snapper has placed his hands on the ball, encroachment starts if any other player breaks the plane of the NZ." Now if it is any offensive linemen other than the center, if he has his hand on or near the ground, he is restricted and could not lift his hand. Yes it is a dead ball foul.

NCAA 7-1-3-3 says after the RFP, "No player of the offensive team shall be in or beyond the NZ after the snapper touched or simulates (hand[s] at or below his knees) touching the ball." This is a dead ball foul if the offense does this.