Virginia Tech safety Kam Chancellor told the Virginian-Pilot that he was blocked illegally several times by Georgia Tech in the Jackets' 28-23 win two weeks ago.
Chancellor said that he was blocked below the waist at least four times, which is illegal in certain conditions when done within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage.
Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer told ESPN's Heather Dinich that he sent tape that included more than four plays, and that one of the plays included Georgia Tech's final touchdown in which Chancellor was blocked out of the play.
"I think when it’s dangerous plays, we need to get that out of college football," Beamer told Dinich. "That’s the ones that worry you, plays that could hurt a player.”
Virginia Tech secondary coach Torrian Gray told the Pilot that the Hokies sent video of those plays to the ACC, and were told that the blocks were illegal.
Earlier this summer, Chancellor said they he thought he had picked up some of Georgia Tech's play-calling tendencies while watching film.
"A guy coming from the outside in and blocking below the waist," Gray told the Pilot. "They should've been called, but it doesn't help you after the fact."
It's routine that coaches send plays to the ACC office as they seek clarification on the rules.
Here's a cut and paste of the rule:
e. Blocking below the waist is permitted except as follows (A.R. 9-1-2-IV-XI):
1. Offensive linemen at the snap positioned more than seven yards from the middle lineman of the
offensive formation are prohibited from blocking below the waist toward the original position of the
ball in or behind the neutral zone and within 10 yards beyond the neutral zone.
2. Backs at the snap positioned completely outside the normal tackle (second player from the
snapper) position in either direction toward a sideline, or in motion at the snap, are prohibited from blocking below the waist toward the original position of the ball in or behind the neutral zone and
within 10 yards beyond the neutral zone (A.R. 9-1-2-XXVI).
3. During a scrimmage down, defensive players are prohibited from blocking an eligible Team A
receiver below the waist beyond the neutral zone unless attempting to get at the ball or runner. A
Team A receiver remains eligible until a legal forward pass is no longer possible by rule.
4. During a down in which there is a free kick or scrimmage kick from a scrimmage kick formation, all
players are prohibited from blocking below the waist, except against the runner.
5. After any change of team possession, all players are prohibited from blocking below the waist, except against the runner.
6. A Team A player behind the neutral zone and in position to receive a backward pass shall not be
blocked below the waist or contacted by way of a personal foul (A.R. 9-1-2-XXV).
About the Author
The Latest
Featured
