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Chop block rule change fuels questions, skepticism

— By Sean Manning, The Dominion Post

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia right tackle Colton McKivitz usually has a smile on his face and a sense of humor when meeting with the media.

With his country twang and camouflage hat featuring a Flying WV, it doesn’t seem like much would get under the skin of the 6-foot-7, 300-pounder. Except when you mess with his responsibilities on the football field.

College football rule changes, aimed at reducing lower-leg injuries, have trickled down to how offensive players can block.

Officially, the new chop-block rule states:

— No offensive player except offensive linemen can block below the waist unless coming toward the opponent’s front.