It is universally understood that the QB is by-in-large the most important player on a team (not always, I know). But after that, what would you say the next most important player is on a football field?

Center.

Personally, I first question if the QB is the most important, but I digress for the sake of the conversation here.

 

I know it may seem like a copout, but it truly depends on the type of offense a team runs. With that said, since we are talking about a "whole" team, that player doesn't have to be on offense.

 

On offense, if a team is a drop back passing team, I would contend the Left Tackle (or back side tackle) is supremely important. If a team is a wishbone team, the Full Back is arguable one of the most important players.

 

Speaking of the entire team, I suppose your Middle Linebacker could easily be one of the most important players and commonly seen as the QB of the defense.

 

And while we are on the topic of the most important, there are special teams players who dramatically change the game, such as a gunner who constantly making first hit on kickoffs and punts. And, it's not uncommon for the kicker to be a team's leading scorer.

 

Personally, I think there are too many variables to pick the most important, that is what I love about football, it takes a team. But, I'm excited to see what people have to say in this thread.

Good question. All 11 are important and yes QB usually is considered most important. Going to say the Center on offense. They are the QB of the o-line and usually make the line calls on the fly. They also touch the ball on every snap. Defensively got to say Middle LB. They more often then not receive the signals from the sidelines, call the Defensive play in the huddle and adjust the D-Line and DBs according to how the Offense lines up.

Place-Kicker/Kicker

 

How many games are lost because a team as ZERO kicking game?

 

When you can't hit a "chipshot" FG or don't even attempt extra points, you are in trouble

Center.

 

This. If you've ever had a bad one or 3 you realize how important this player is.

Place-Kicker/Kicker

 

How many games are lost because a team as ZERO kicking game?

 

When you can't hit a "chipshot" FG or don't even attempt extra points, you are in trouble

Not to mention, not even scoring but how important is it to put the kickoffs in the end zone, or inside the 20? Making a team march 80 yards on every drive is a game changer for sure.

Kicking is important at higher levels, but I have seen many a small school win despite an atrocious kicking game. You arent going to win 5A or 6A with bad kicking, but you may win 1A, 2A, and 3A. I would consider the kicking game a luxury and bonus points. Kicking makes good teams great, and helps great teams be Champions...but a bad team is still a bad team.

 

For me I would say Center probably.

 

The inability to snap or the QB/Center exchange has doomed many a team before.

 

Center is the only spot on the field that can cause a 20 yard loss without another player touching the ball first.

 

The Center also points out the Defense often and his blocking is a bonus.

 

 

If you want to see how a Center effects a team look at Corbin vs. Danville in 2015 and Corbin vs. Danville in 2016.

 

Danville dominates one game as Corbin couldn't snap the ball and it resulted in numerous turnovers and huge losses. The next year Center wasn't an issue and Corbin controls the game.

In High School ball, placekicker. While others mention getting the ball into the end zone for field position purposes, I would call attention to the fact that if you don't have to cover a kick, you are not getting injured in the process.

 

If you make a team go 80 yards every time ( and don't give up big plays), and subsequently 10 -14 plays, odds are the offense will make a mistake.

In High School ball, placekicker. While others mention getting the ball into the end zone for field position purposes, I would call attention to the fact that if you don't have to cover a kick, you are not getting injured in the process.

 

If you make a team go 80 yards every time ( and don't give up big plays), and subsequently 10 -14 plays, odds are the offense will make a mistake.

 

Remember about 10 years ago or so Ryle had a kicker that could just boom the ball. They would try 60 yard field goals all the time because of the HS rule that on a kick once the ball crosses the goal line its dead ball, and ball is spotted on the 20 yard line. Great field position move.

 

 

Someone from Ryle confirm this but I think the kid eventually hit like a 54 yarder or something at one point.

Defensive End. Whoever can disrupt the QB the most is next in my book.

Defensive End. Whoever can disrupt the QB the most is next in my book.

 

In HS ball though that is easier to scheme around IMO.

It's a tie... Your offensive linemen. I don't care how good your QB is or your RB is, if you come up against a good team, you will be exposed if you have a bad OL.

Remember about 10 years ago or so Ryle had a kicker that could just boom the ball. They would try 60 yard field goals all the time because of the HS rule that on a kick once the ball crosses the goal line its dead ball, and ball is spotted on the 20 yard line. Great field position move.

 

 

Someone from Ryle confirm this but I think the kid eventually hit like a 54 yarder or something at one point.

 

Imagine a kicker who not only could kick deep, but also effectively onside kick! Kick two or three into the end zone, then onside kick. I bet your chances of recivery would be pretty good!

Head coach?