I agree that this is NOT hurdling because his is not leading with his feet or knees.
But let's tweak the scenario a little bit. If he did lead with his feet or knees (like a hurdler) I'm thinking it would be hurdling. The other condition to be met is that the defender is contacting the ground with only one or both feet. The defender here clearly only has feet on the ground so it would be hurdling. But does it matter at all that the defender is low to ground even if only his feet are actually on the ground. I know it's your job as an official to apply the rules and the rules seem clear. But is there a point where the defender is so low to the ground (even though no body part other than feet are actually touching the ground) that you would not call hurdling.
No, the defender's body posture should be irrelevant. If the defender has nothing other than one or two feet on the ground, you cannot jump over him with the feet or knees foremost over him. It is a dangerous play for both the runner and the defender and doesn't belong in high school.
That being said, if a defender is laid out and diving at the feet of a runner and the runner skips over him, I might rule that the defender was airborne or had a knee touching the ground. It is such a quickly developing play and it is very hard to see every element of it.
However, in this play, I don't think it is hurdling. It is just a tremendously athletic play.
