defensive cutting

Question
I have seen more and more teams teach their defensive ends to cut the fullback or pulling lineman on an attempted kickout block.  Can a defensive end who starts a play within the blocking zone cut a potential blocker that late in a play?

Answer
Hansen

Under NCAA rule 9-1-2-e blocking below the  waist is permitted provided it is is a legal block (not a clip, chop block or back toward the original position of the ball).  The only restriction the rule places on the defense is that the low block can not be against an eligible Team A receiver. ["During a scrimmage down, defensive players are prohibited from blocking an eligible Team A receiver below the waist beyond the neutral zone unless attempting to get at the ball or ball carrier. A Team A receiver remains eligible until a legal forward pass is no longer possible by rule."]  As you know Blocking below the waist is the initial contact below the waist with any part of the blocker抯 body against an opponent, other than the ball carrier. When in question, the contact is below the waist (Rule 9-1-2-e).  Blocking below the waist applies to the initial contact by a blocker against an opponent who has one or both feet on the ground. A blocker
who makes contact above the waist and then slides below the waist has not blocked below the waist. If the blocker first contacts the opposing player抯 hands at the waist or above, it is a legal 揳bove the waist拻 block(Rule 9-1-2-e).  The Blocking Zone in this situation does not apply under NCAA rules.  However the Free Blocking Zone under Nation Federation of High School Rules does apply and such blocks under the high school rules may be illegal for the defense.

I have a little trouble with the wording of your question: "Can a defensive end who starts a play within the blocking zone cut a potential blocker that late in a play?" [sic].  You reference a defender blocking a potential blocker "LATE".  Depending how late and where the low block by the defender occurs may have an impact as to whether the act is legal or illegal - i.e. personal foul, unnecessary roughness or a dead ball personal foul.

To answer your question, generally under NCAA rules the defender is permitted to legally block an offensive player below the waist.

Vic WinnekNCAA Football Official