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Does this rule apply to short-yardage situations where a RB leaps over the pile, and LBs leap to meet him in the air? I mean, they lead with their helmets (LBs, that is) and launch themselves prior to the hit. By that definition, it seems that a RB will be able to leap over the pile and not be in danger of getting hit until he gets to a defender who is standing on the ground. But by then, he'll already have the first down (or touchdown, whatever the case may be).
I think the distinction there is that the RB is not and never was on this play a defenseless receiver who is blindly jumping to catch the ball opposed to knowingly diving into linebackers.