Running into the kicker

Question
It is 4th down.The quarterback is under center, takes the
snap and turns and tosses the ball to a running back who is
5 yards behind him. The running back kicks the ball but is
hit by a defender attempting to block the kick. The defender
does not make any contact with the ball. Is this
roughing/running into the kicker?

Answer
Jerry
This is nothing.  The running back is a ball carrier and not a kicker and thus is treated as a ball carrier/runner and not a kicker. It is not a scrimmage kick formation and it is not obvious that a scrimmage kick will be made based on your fact pattern.  The defender has the right to tackle or contact the runner.  There should be no foul for running into or roughing the kicker as that foul will not apply to your play

Thanks for the question.  I apologize for the slight delay in my response to your question, but I am an active on field NCAA official and was out of town working a game and Sundays work in the FOX Control Center assisting Mike Peoria with the monitoring of NFL games.

Vic Winnek
NCAA Football