I would get a copy of the 3/4/5 man mechanics manuals and start there.... If you have been around football, most likely you will have a good idea of the basic rules. So at first, I would spend the time on mechanics. It will tell you where to be when and if you know that then others wont necessarily pick up on your inexperience. If you look lost out there, the coaches will definitely pick up on that.
You can focus on mechanics, but you need to begin the tedious task of rules, and for that I would start with Rule 2, definitions, some of that is pretty boring reading, but it is essential, then start branching out into other rules. The Redding study guide is good for different way to study, it isn't the somewhat legaleze of the rulebook, but written more like a book that you can actually read.
Look here in the test section, there are some copies of older tests and even this years CFO exam, don't take the tests for grades, but to study. Use the rulebook and figure out the answer to each question that is applicable, you will have to read a lot to find the exact rules reference and that will get you in the rule book and pick up a lot of other stuff. (be sure not to focus on 10 sec runoff/replay/40 sec clock/etc).
There will be a ton of opinions on this... and all are right, you just have to find what works for you, and welcome to the club!!!
