How is a lineman positioned at the time of the snap?

A lineman is positioned facing the opponent's goal line at the time of the snap. This alignment is key because it allows the lineman to effectively block defenders and create pathways for ball carriers. By facing the opponent’s goal line, the lineman is in the best position to react to the snap, understand the play's direction, and engage with opposing players immediately.

This is fundamental to the role of offensive linemen, as their primary responsibility is to protect the quarterback and create space for running plays, which is best accomplished when they are aligned to confront the defenders directly in front of them. The incorrect answer choices generally misrepresent the dynamics of a lineman’s role; facing the sideline would hinder effective engagement with the defense, while facing one's own goal line would provide no offensive advantage. Diagonal positioning can occur in certain scenarios, but the standard snap position is directly facing the opponent's goal line to prepare for the play effectively.