You can practically shake his hand from that position.

The trend at the higher levels has been to get further away -- and why not?

On scrimmage plays, I'm usually 10-12 yards back. On most all plays, including passing plays, I never have to back up.

My eyesight is good and I can close pretty quickly if I need to make my presence known. My job is to observe. Why be close to anyone?

I stand on the kicker's foot side, about 3-4 yards behind the kicker. I think this gives me a better look at the oncoming rush so I can see why there is contact with the kicker. Standing in front does not give you that same perspective in my opinion.

Peace