Which position is primarily tasked with covering receivers and supporting run defense?

• A. Defensive Ends
• B. Quarterbacks
• C. Cornerbacks
• D. Running Backs

Answer: (C)

Cornerbacks are the players who cover receivers and also provide run support. They line up against the opposing wide receivers and use man or zone coverage to prevent completions, reading routes and breaking on the ball to defend passes. When plays run outside or develop toward the edges, they also sprint up to help stop the ball carrier, tackling and sealing off gains before they become bigger chunks. This combination of pass coverage and outside run support is why this position is the best fit. Defenders like defensive ends focus mainly on rushing the quarterback and setting the edge, while other options are offensive players, so they don’t fit the responsibilities described.