The Quarterback (QB) is the player directly behind the Center who leads the team to the end zone. 

After the QB is in possession of the ball, he may:

•  Hand the ball

• Run with the ball

• Move further back and pass the ball. 

QB will need to read the defense and make changes on the line as needed. 

The area in which the quarteg-rback operates is called the Pocket. 

The Halfbacks/Running back (RB) may have the toughest job on the football field because they have to not only know every play like a quarterback but also make physical contact on virtually every down.

An RB plays every minute on offense. When he doesn’t have the ball, he must follow through with his fakes and pretend that he has the ball. 

The RB must know what down it is and how many yards the team needs for a first down. 

The RB must know the time on the clock. When to go out of bounds and when to turn upfield and gain extra yardage. 

RB must pass block, run block or adjust to the defense. He must know every pass route called because he may be the first receiving option on a play. 

The RB must know the holes which tell where to run. 

Wide receivers catch passes and may receive handoffs depending on the type of Offense.  Receivers come in all sizes and shapes. They are tall, short, lean, fast, and quick. 

To excel as a receiver, a player must

• Have nimble hands (hands that are very good at catching the ball).

• Have the ability to concentrate under defensive pressure

• Be courageous and strong to maneuver around the defense and catch balls. 

• The wide receivers are commonly referred to as X and Z receivers. The X receiver, or split end, normally aligns to the weak side of the formation, and the Z receiver, or flanker, aligns to the strength of the formation.

The tight end (TE) position is a hybrid position with the characteristics and roles of both an offensive lineman and a wide receiver. 

The TE is usually lined up on the offensive line and is large enough to be effective blockers. Unlike offensive linemen, TE is also an eligible receiver that catches the ball.  The TE is known as the Y receiver.

The fullback (FB) is the protector of the halfback. He’s there to block and clear the way for the halfback, who’s the main ball carrier.

 If there are two running backs, the bigger of the two is usually called the FB. Most FBs make great blocks (generally on a linebacker) and win the physical battle against players who tend to be bigger than they are. 

The traditional fullback position appears to be going the way of the dinosaur. Big, strong, fast players who in previous years might have played fullback are now playing on the other side of the ball, in the linebacker position. 

The Center (C) is the head of the offensive line and the foundation for play calling. He is the magical key to the gates. 

 The guard calls the huddles "loudly", and appoints assignments on the line to protect the backfield and during play. This guy is the head honcho. 

Guard (G): There are two guards, one on each side of the center. As the name suggests, the Guards "Guard" the QB, allowing the play to develop and create holes for the RB. Guards are often required to run the farthest on running plays and need to have decent speed and quickness for their size.

There are two tackles, and they line up outside of the guards. Tackles may have the toughest jobs on the offensive line. The position they hold at the end of the line means their block is often key in running plays. 

Tackles are also required to block much faster defensive ends and linebackers on passing plays. Quarterbacks may get all the glory, but there is no player More valuable to a football team than an outstanding offensive tackle. 

Defensive end (DE): These players line up outside of the defensive tackles. They need to have the strength and power to do battle with offensive linemen, but also the speed and quickness to chase down the quarterback on passing plays. 

A nose tackle, also known as the nose guard or middle guard, is a player that aligns themselves in the middle of the defensive line. This player is only used in a 3-4 defensive scheme. They’re usually the largest player and go head-to-head with the opposing center, often double-teamed, if not triple-teamed, by the center and guards. 

Linebackers' (LB) duties range from stopping the run, to chasing down the quarterback, to covering speedy wide receivers. The exact responsibilities of a linebacker depend on his position and the defensive scheme.

The different types of linebackers are:

Inside linebacker (ILB): In a 3-4 set there are two inside linebackers lined up across from the offensive guards, though again their exact positions will shift throughout the game. They need to be able to take on blockers one-on-one, stop running plays through the middle, and cover against the pass.

 Middle Linebacker (MLB): The middle linebacker's basic territory is across from the offensive center in a 4-3 set. The middle linebacker is usually the leader of the defense, the defensive equivalent of the quarterback. He needs to be a great tackler and have the speed to range across the field and make plays.

Outside Linebacker (OLB): Outside backers can be a bit smaller than inside linebackers, and are often faster. Rover Linebackers' responsibility is more pass rush based but often is called in to run stop (gap control) and pass coverage. 

Sam, Will, and Mike Linebackers

Many defensive schemes will designate a strong-side linebacker called the Sam, and a weak-side ‘backer called the Will. The middle linebacker is often called the Mike linebacker.

Note: When you hear quarterbacks calling out the Mike linebacker before a play they aren’t simply pointing out the guy who plays middle linebacker. They can see that by looking at the roster. What they are doing is identifying a linebacker (or defensive back) in order to get a central reference for the play they are about to run.

Remember: Defensive players can and do line up all over the place. Identifying Mike helps the offensive linemen focus their blocking scheme accordingly.