What are quarterbacks saying before the snap?

In addition to the snap count, the quarterback is also communicating with the rest of the offensive players... Pointing out the middle linebacker - sometimes quite obviously "54 is the Mike". This effects the alignment of the blocking scheme. read more

The quarterback is giving the snap count, or a rhythm that signals when he wants the ball to be snapped to him. And while we may think of a traditional "hike!" as the extent of a snap count, there are tons of signals and counts going on, often in an attempt to catch the defense offside. read more

When a QB identifies the mike, it's because he thinks that person is the most important player to block that doesn't qualify as a down lineman. It's also worth noting that pointing out a Mike on a running play is a dummy call. read more

“A certain color means a certain snap count, but it’s the first year, we’re still learning,” Ponder said. Sometimes quarterbacks will use a hard count, verbally emphasizing the third “hut” when the fifth “hut” means snap the ball. The goal is to draw the other team offsides. read more