Defensive Cut Block

Question
Is it legal for a safety/corner to take on a blocker,
(pulling lineman or fullback) during a run play, at the
knees in order to create a pile and clog the running lane?  
I have been told by my high school coaches to do this
because a 160 pound corner vs a 250 pound plus offensive
lineman doesn't match up well.

Answer
Joey
This is a loaded question, there is a specific way this low block is can be executed and legal under NFHS rules, but more often than not - it would be an illegal block below the waist or a personal foul.  The fact you are a safety/DB not in the free blocking zone this is not going to be legal under the rules as you describe.  Remember defensive players are also governed by the blocking rules.  As you describe it is illegal block below the waist, but likely called a personal foul when a defender does it.  

Victor Winnek
NCAA Football Official