Upback

In American football, the upback (also known as the punt protector or personal protector) is a blocking back who lines up approximately 1-3 yards behind the line of scrimmage in punting situations.

Because the punter plays so far back, the upback frequently makes the line calls and calls for the snap to be received by the punter. Their primary role is to act as the last line of defense for the punter. Upbacks may occasionally receive the snap instead of the punter on fake punts. Upbacks receiving the snap normally run the ball, but they may throw it. An upback is typically played by a back-up for another position, mostly a linebacker, running back, or a fullback. This position is usually referred to simply as a special teamer, or even a gunner (though that word is used more often for a different position). A notable upback is Nate Ebner of the New England Patriots. A former rugby union player, Ebner uses his versatility in order to execute fake punts and protect the punter.

References

Positions in American football and Canadian football
Offense (Skill position)			Defense			Special teams
Linemen	Guard, Tackle, Center		Linemen	Tackle, End, Edge rusher		Kicking players	Placekicker, Punter, Kickoff specialist
Quarterback (Dual-threat, Game manager, System)			Linebacker			Snapping	Long snapper, Holder
Backs	Halfback/Tailback (Triple-threat, Change of pace), Fullback, H-back, Wingback		Backs	Cornerback, Safety, Halfback, Nickelback, Dimeback		Returning	Punt returner, Kick returner, Jammer, Upman
Receivers	Wide receiver (Eligible), Tight end, Slotback, End					Tackling	Gunner, Upback, Utility
Formations (List) — Nomenclature — Strategy