In NCAA football, the player in position to potentially hold for a place kick with body part(s) other than hand or foot in contact with the ground, and a potential kicker in place to make a kick, does not cause the ball to become dead when he secures possession of the ball. Once he possesses the ball, and while still "grounded," he may 1) hold it for a potential kick, 2) pass the ball forward or backward, 3) hand it forward or backward, or 4) rise with the ball and advance it/pass it/hand it/kick it.
Oh, and, if the holder must rise from the ground to catch or recover the ball, he may still drop to the ground to hold the ball for a potential kick IF there is a potential kicker in position to make a scrimmage place kick. Technically, but very impractically, a BC could run around behind the NZ for some amount of time, then drop to the ground to hold for a potential place kick, IF there is a potential kicker in position to make a scrimmage place kick. Technically. If it ever happens to you, get video.
That may be different than other rule sets. Know the set you are working.
