Center
The offensive lineman who snaps the ball.
Glossary category
College Football Positions Glossary
Position terms explain where players line up, what roles they handle, and how coaches describe personnel groups.
Back to all glossary termsTop Positions Terms
CenterThe offensive lineman who snaps the ball.CornerbackA defensive back who primarily covers wide receivers.Defensive EndA defensive lineman who plays on the edge of the line.Defensive LineThe defensive front that lines up closest to the ball.Defensive TackleAn interior defensive lineman who plays inside against the run and pass.Dime BackA sixth defensive back used in dime personnel.Edge RusherA defensive end or outside linebacker whose main role is pressuring the quarterback from the edge.Free SafetyA safety often used in deeper coverage or center-field responsibilities.
All Positions Definitions
33 terms
Cornerback
A defensive back who primarily covers wide receivers.
Defensive End
A defensive lineman who plays on the edge of the line.
Defensive Line
The defensive front that lines up closest to the ball.
Defensive Tackle
An interior defensive lineman who plays inside against the run and pass.
Dime Back
A sixth defensive back used in dime personnel.
Edge Rusher
A defensive end or outside linebacker whose main role is pressuring the quarterback from the edge.
Free Safety
A safety often used in deeper coverage or center-field responsibilities.
Fullback
A back who often blocks, leads runs, or plays in heavier offensive formations.
Guard
An interior offensive lineman positioned between the center and offensive tackle.
Halfback
Another name for a primary running back.
Holder
A player who catches and holds the snap for field goal and PAT attempts.
Kicker
A special teams player who kicks field goals, PATs, and sometimes kickoffs.
Linebacker
A second-level defender who plays behind the defensive line against both run and pass.
Long Snapper
A specialist who snaps the ball on punts, field goals, and PATs.
Mike Linebacker
The middle linebacker, often responsible for defensive calls, run fits, and interior coverage.
Nickelback
A fifth defensive back used in nickel personnel.
Nose Tackle
A defensive tackle aligned over or near the center, often used in three-man fronts.
Offensive Line
The five-man unit that blocks for the quarterback and running game.
Offensive Tackle
An outside offensive lineman responsible for edge protection and run blocking.
Punter
A special teams player who punts the ball to change field position.
Quarterback
The offensive player who usually takes the snap and directs the offense.
Returner
A player who returns kickoffs or punts.
Running Back
An offensive back who primarily carries the ball, catches passes, and helps in pass protection.
Safety (Position)
A defensive back who plays deeper or in support roles against both pass and run.
Sam Linebacker
The strong-side linebacker, usually aligned toward the offense's strength.
Skill Position
A common label for quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends.
Slot Receiver
A receiver who lines up inside, between the outside receiver and offensive line.
Specialist
A player whose role is primarily on special teams, such as kicker, punter, holder, or long snapper.
Strong Safety
A safety often used closer to the line of scrimmage or against stronger offensive formations.
Tight End
An eligible offensive player who combines receiving and blocking responsibilities.
Wide Receiver
An eligible receiver who usually lines up outside or in the slot to catch passes.
Will Linebacker
The weak-side linebacker, usually aligned away from the offense's strength.