1879 Princeton University First Team To Use Interference

In Football Facts and Figures (1945) Dr. L.H. Baker, wrote that Princeton in 1879 was the first team to use interference with the ball carrier, but here the interferes were located on each side and not in front of the ball carrier (1879 Interference is legalized). This was called "guarding the runner". Since little was known about it, the use of interference was carried on in a desultory way, and to avoid possible penalty complications, interferers did not use their hands and arms. It was not until 1884 that interfers would be sent ahead of the ball carrier. Coach CAmpbell