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College Football/Pass Interference/Ilegal Contact

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Expert: - 11/2/2006


Question
Can a defensive lineman drop back into pass coverage and then put a hit on an eligible receiver just as the quaterback is releasing a forward pass. The receiver is approximately 3-4 yards deep into the defensive backfield and arguably in a position to catch a forward pass at the time the hit takes place. This occured last Saturday in an NCAA Division I-AA game. If you to see a video of this play, I'll send you one.

Answer
The restriction for DPI begins when the legal forward pass crosses the LOS. Also a defensive player can not contact an eligible receiver when that receiver occupies the same yard line or has gone past him.  The intent behind this rule is to allow the defensive play to ward off a block but not allow the defensive play to take advantage of a receiver who's restriction begins at the snap.

Thus in your play, the Defensive line man may drop back but may not contact the receiver since the receiver has passes the yardline the D-Lineman occupied at the LOS.  Thus any contact would be illegal contact.  If the ball crosses the LOS while contact is being made, then it could be DPI.

Since the DPI would have occurred within 3-4 yards of the LOS it would be a spot foul with an auto first down.  It would be appropriate to call it illegal contact which would be a 15 yard penalty from the previous spot and first down.

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