Freshman will now be allowed to play up to 4 games and still be redshirted effective 2018.
I'm not so sure that is a great idea. I don't like the current rule of burning a year of eligibility for playing in just one play, but four games seems to be excessive. The big boys will abuse the rule as always.
Craving a McBride Special!
It will give FCS a little more depth to work with and also they think they will use some the last few games of the year to get them experience and fill in for injured players.
I like it--could have used it to bring Brandon George for the four games Straub missed in the last of season--might have won some with him in there
Nick Hill on rule allowing freshmen to play 4 games without burning redshirt — might play some of them early and see if ready. Could also wait until later in season when freshman hits his stride. New rule will help special teams and depth.
— Saluki Football (@SIU_Football) July 30, 2018
I think this rule change will be especially helpful late in the season when injuries and fatigue set in. This will help FCS teams because of the lack of depth at this level. Could be a difference maker for those that make the playoffs too. Will also give those freshman a head start for the next year.
New rule adds a new level of planning to the coaching staff.
Allows you to put in a freshman for early games and save your upper classmen from injuries, or fill in for injuries later without burning a year of eligibility.
However they should not be able to play in post season games, they shouldn't play in playoff games unless they are not "redshirted"
