SEC players discuss targeting rules
By Stu White
The SEC is known to have some of the fiercest defensive players in all of college football, so it is not surprising that more than a few are displeased with the new targeting rule that allows officials to eject guys for hitting above the shoulders.
The quotations come from an informal poll conducted by AL.com. While not all the players spoke out against the new rule (Aaron Murray being one of the most vocal proponents of the ejection idea), the ones who disagreed with it certainly weren’t shy about making their opinions known.
Florida defensive lineman Dominique Easley: “They’re basically making us play flag football. It’s hard. You can’t really control where you want to hit. But it’s part of the game. Rules come, you have to follow them.”
Jadeveon Clowney: “I’m 6-6, and half the guys I’m going against are 6-3, 6-foot. It’s going to be hard for me to get low, not to hit them above the shoulders.”
Missouri linebacker Andrew Wilson: “You’re definitely going to be more cognizant about late hits. You definitely don’t want to do that. But as far as bang-bang plays, it’s really tough to think about that and not make a mistake.”
Missouri wide receiver L’Damian Washington (who said he was conflicted about the rule): “I chose to play this game for a reason. I knew what came with it. It’s one of those things you have to sacrifice playing this game.”
What do you think, FanSiders? Should players be ejected for above-the-shoulders hits? Do you predict rules like this will help or harm football? Sound off in the comments below (but don’t be too aggressive; we don’t want to have to throw anyone out).
[Source: AL.com]