A few years ago, the NCAA expanded the ability for footballers to play in a season and still earn a redshirt. It went from three games to four with a schedule of 12 games. Also, a student-athlete could play in every four games on the schedule, and they did not have to prove injury if they did to get the redshirt. But with the NCAA’s statement Friday about a free year of licensing for anyone who plays a fall sport in 2020, the freshmen whose staff normally plan to wear redshirts should not be treated that way.
Now all freshmen can play in all 10 regular season games and a Championship game if there is one and in 2021 still be a freshman.
Now coaches don’t have to have that awkward conversation with the newcomers about not playing to maintain a red skirt. However, they will be a newcomer again in 2021.
“All Fall student athletes of the Fall will be eligible for both an additional year and an additional year in which it will be completed,” the NCAA posted Friday. “Student-athletes who do not register full-time in the fall term of 2020 have flexibility in the advancement-to-degree requirements that must be met in order to be eligible in future conditions.”
“In addition, all student athletes of the fall sport will be eligible for both an additional year and an additional year in which, as proposed by the Council, they will complete through a low consideration.”
The competition just got better across the Florida roster.
With a team that has quite a few upper class men with experience and in just about every position, there were probably quite a few players redshirted. That could mean that after playing in four games, there is no chance that they will return to the field and put on some plays. That is no longer the case.
This move also offers the chance to just get more playing time for some who go on redshirt, but the staff would make them really ready for next season.
I personally believe that a big difference in the mood of the freshmen in this scenario will be changed. If they do not have a chance to get on the field, the effort level may drop. Now they stand a better chance of trying to impress every day.
I think one thing to think about is if anyone playing this year could reashirt next season. That seems like the way things are worded, in principle this is just a free season to be eligible.
One thing for sure, 2020 continues to offer something new, whether we are talking about obstacles for the season or something positive like this move.
Now we just have to get to the games and let them happen.
