Running back (RB)

What it is

The primary ball carrier, who reads blocks, protects the quarterback, and catches out of the backfield.

Why it matters

The skill that separates backs is vision under speed: pressing a hole long enough to move a linebacker, then cutting once and going. Modern backs are also protection players — a back who cannot identify and block a blitzing linebacker comes off the field on third down regardless of how he runs. Ball security is the non-negotiable: everything else about the position is a preference.

Also called

Programs call this RB, tailback, halfback or the back. The Coach answers to any of them.

Related

• component ofSkill positions
• component ofZone run
• component ofGap run