Positions
Who plays where on a standard snap. Start with the position groups, then expand for the specific roles within each group.
Runs the offense, calls the play, and distributes the ball. In shotgun looks like the diagram, the QB takes the snap several yards behind the line.
Primary ball carriers and pass protectors out of the backfield. The same group covers several backfield roles depending on personnel and scheme.
TB — Tailback / Halfback
The main runner and receiver from the backfield. Often lines up next to the QB in shotgun or behind the QB in under-center looks.
FB — Fullback
A bigger back who blocks for the tailback, runs short-yardage plays, and sometimes catches out of the backfield. Common in power and option schemes.
H — H-back
A hybrid TE/RB who motion presnap and block or run routes from the backfield or attached to the line. Not every team uses one.
Split out wide or align in the slot to stretch the field and catch passes. Teams label them by side and role more than by a single job description.
X — Split end
Usually the WR on the line away from the tight end (the “boundary” side). Often matched against the opponent’s top corner.
Z — Flanker
Typically off the line so the offense stays legal, often on the same side as the tight end. Can motion presnap more freely.
Slot receiver
Lines up between the tackle and the outside WR. Works the middle of the field and tends to see quicker, shorter throws.
Hybrid blockers and receivers who align on the end of the offensive line. In 11 personnel, one TE is on the field; 12 personnel adds a second.
Inline tight end
Lines up attached to the tackle with a hand down — a classic extra blocker who can also run seams and short routes.
Attached / flexed TE
Same player, but shifted off the line (still close) or split slightly wider to create mismatches in the passing game.
Five players who protect the QB and open holes on run plays. They work as a unit — gap assignments and communication matter as much as individual size.
C — Center
Snaps the ball and makes many of the line calls. Anchors the middle of the line against nose tackles and blitzes up the middle.
LG / RG — Guards
Line up on either side of the center. Pull on some run schemes, double-team defensive linemen, and pick up interior blitzers.
LT / RT — Tackles
Protect the edges. The left tackle often protects the QB’s blind side for a right-handed passer; both have to handle speed rushers off the edge.
Set the edge, collapse the pocket, and stop the run at the line of scrimmage. Fronts vary, but most college teams you'll see play with four down linemen in nickel packages.
DE — Defensive End
Lines up on the outside of the formation. Rushes the passer, sets the edge against runs, and must contain mobile quarterbacks.
DT — Defensive Tackle
Lines up inside over the guards. Controls gaps, occupies blockers, and collapses the interior pocket on pass plays.
NT — Nose Tackle
The interior tackle aligned over or shade on the center, common in odd fronts (3-3-5). Demands double teams and clogs the middle.
The connectors between the line and secondary — tackle runners, rush the passer, and cover backs and tight ends. Labels like Will and Sam describe alignment and assignment.
MLB — Middle / Mike linebacker
Quarterback of the defense. Makes calls, fills interior run gaps, and often matches up with backs in the passing game.
WLB — Will / weak-side linebacker
Aligns away from the tight end side. Often the most free to chase plays and a frequent blitzer in nickel looks.
SLB — Sam / strong-side linebacker
Lines up toward the tight end. Sets the edge, takes on blocks, and handles a heavier workload against run-heavy formations.
OLB — Outside linebacker
In 3-4 fronts, stands up on the edge like a hybrid end/rusher. In 4-2-5, the term is used less — those edge roles are mostly defensive ends.
Cover receivers and provide deep help. The 4-2-5 nickel in the diagram adds a fifth DB (nickelback) for another coverage body without sacrificing run support entirely.
CB — Cornerback
Lines up on the outside against wide receivers. Man coverage on the boundary, zone drops, and run support on the perimeter.
NB — Nickelback
The extra defensive back in nickel packages. Covers slot receivers, blitzes occasionally, and replaces a linebacker on the field.
FS — Free safety
Usually the deepest defender — reads the QB, provides help over the top, and rallies to the ball in the middle of the field.
SS — Strong safety
Aligns toward the tight end or formation strength. More involved in the box — run fits, tight ends, and shorter zones.