DT, you have every right to dislike the RPOs in the game now. Certainly a lot of teams use them because they are trendy and provide flexibility. But many use them to put defenders in conflict in order to get their best people the ball. What I was mostly getting at was that I think you are broadly talking about football in terms that may be too general for your point to be accurate, if that makes sense. For example, talking about positions changing and linemen changing role, etc. NFL and College are in reality quite different from the majority of high school football. As was mentioned, TE is still a huge position in all levels of football. Some teams use them more as an H Back, but that position has not left the game. The traditional I formation FB has definitely become less prevalent for sure. But I see what you mean, the game is different. Teams using RPOs in their system are simply trying to use the entire field and put certain defensive players in conflict, because that is as good as a block. When I was HC at my previous school, we ran spread with lots of RPOs and RROs. We had 3 run plays and tags on them to react to the defense. We had to do it, our OL wasn't dominating and we played in a great conference. We had some success there with that. At my current 1a school, we went to the wing to control the ball more but still use some RPOs to protect our main runs when we are in gun about 30% of the time.
Just Rules --> Awesome insight there. From a coaching perspective, we are telling QBs that read is made and ball is out pretty quickly. If you hold the ball at all or double clutch after deciding on the throw option, its too late! I remember about 6 years ago we ran outside zone to the right with a slant on the backside. QB pulled the ball to throw, double clutched, then hit the WR in stride for an 80 yard TD.....everyone is cheering while I'm already coaching the QB to correct his mistake because I knew we'd have that called back for lineman down field before the ball even got to the goal line lol. It comes with the territory.
....sorry for the long football posts....stir crazy sitting at home haha