I see these terms are getting used interchangeably by some so let's clarify.
Cut blocks are solo blocks below the waist performed by offensive players in the tackle box, not in motion at the snap. This should always be a 1 on 1 block. These are legal.
Chop block is a 2 on 1 block where the defender is cut by 1 offensive player while engaged above the waist with a second offensive player. These are illegal.
More below:
The NCAA's clarified its ruling on cut blocks, which are legal. The description:
The rules panel also approved new wording in the football rules book regarding blocking below the waist. Offensive players in the tackle box at the snap who are not in motion are allowed to block below the waist legally without restriction. All other players are restricted from blocking below the waist with a few exceptions (for example, straight-ahead blocks).
Wide receivers and wingbacks lined up outside of the tackles thus may not crack back low on engaged defenders, but linemen can still block low, provided they do so mano e mano. This also guards against cut blocks occurring away from the action entirely, when the risk of injury comes with no real tactical reward.
None of this really changes chop blocks, which were illegal anyway.
Cut blocks are solo blocks below the waist performed by offensive players in the tackle box, not in motion at the snap. This should always be a 1 on 1 block. These are legal.
Chop block is a 2 on 1 block where the defender is cut by 1 offensive player while engaged above the waist with a second offensive player. These are illegal.
More below:
The NCAA's clarified its ruling on cut blocks, which are legal. The description:
The rules panel also approved new wording in the football rules book regarding blocking below the waist. Offensive players in the tackle box at the snap who are not in motion are allowed to block below the waist legally without restriction. All other players are restricted from blocking below the waist with a few exceptions (for example, straight-ahead blocks).
Wide receivers and wingbacks lined up outside of the tackles thus may not crack back low on engaged defenders, but linemen can still block low, provided they do so mano e mano. This also guards against cut blocks occurring away from the action entirely, when the risk of injury comes with no real tactical reward.
None of this really changes chop blocks, which were illegal anyway.
