Redshirting

[shakes3858]

Do we do redshirting backward? Most guys that play as true freshman perform in some type of limited duty. Justin Jackson, Dan Vitale... are the exceptions. Let's take Garrett Dickerson. Last year, he played and had 4 catches for 44 yards. I can't really quantify how valuable he was a blocker. I'd think he would be far more valuable in year 5 than in year.

Basically, if we project a player to be a complete stud in the future, but don't have a full time starting type spot for him, I say redshirt him. If you need someone to fill in as a role player because you need another body, then play the guy that doesn't project to a 5 year player. If the kid develops better than expected, you'll have a redshirt down the line if he's injured and you most likely have a stud at that position anyway because that's the guy you redshirted as a freshman.

 

[SmellyCat]

If you're looking at the players purely as chess pieces on the board, I agree with your approach, but my guess is there are other human factors at play as well.

 

[iskaboo]

Do some freshmen ask not to redshirt because they would rather leave NU in four years rather than five?

 

[NJCat83588]

Do some freshmen ask not to redshirt because they would rather leave NU in four years rather than five?

No clue, but I suspect it is more about playing immediately than going to school for free for 5 years.......

 

[cidsports]

If the player is productive as a sophomore, then maybe the limited production as a true freshman was well worth to price. The game is different in college from high school. It is rare to see true freshman jump and become highly productive, but it does happen. As already mentioned, plenty of human factors involved.

fwiw

 

[gocatsgo2003]

Do we do redshirting backward? Most guys that play as true freshman perform in some type of limited duty. Justin Jackson, Dan Vitale... are the exceptions. Let's take Garrett Dickerson. Last year, he played and had 4 catches for 44 yards. I can't really quantify how valuable he was a blocker. I'd think he would be far more valuable in year 5 than in year.

Basically, if we project a player to be a complete stud in the future, but don't have a full time starting type spot for him, I say redshirt him. If you need someone to fill in as a role player because you need another body, then play the guy that doesn't project to a 5 year player. If the kid develops better than expected, you'll have a redshirt down the line if he's injured and you most likely have a stud at that position anyway because that's the guy you redshirted as a freshman.

Dickerson was very good as a blocked last year. And I think it's highly doubtful that someone who would just be a "warm body" would be capable of contributing as a true freshman. If you're down that far, might as well use an upperclassman walk on as things will be dire either way.

 

[gocatsgo2003]

Do some freshmen ask not to redshirt because they would rather leave NU in four years rather than five?

Never heard of that happening.

 

[Seattle_Cat]

Never heard of that happening.

I believe NU doesn't guarantee 5 years tuition. A less than stud player would be well advised to get his degree in 4 years.

 

[boonman1]

Shakes NU does not have the depth in there program to do it that way ,

 

[Walker Fan]

Right now, I wish WR Cameron Green was not redshirting because he could have been a starter tomorrow and give NU a more explosive playmaker than we have currently playing WR.

 

[shakes3858]

Dickerson was very good as a blocked last year. And I think it's highly doubtful that someone who would just be a "warm body" would be capable of contributing as a true freshman. If you're down that far, might as well use an upperclassman walk on as things will be dire either way.

Fitz has said many times that he doesn't look to burn redshirt to play special teams. Montre Hartage has played nothing but special teams that I've noticed. I've heard nothing but glowing reports about him. I just find it odd that we redshirt players we Don't think will get a 5th year but we burn shirts of guys to play 8 plays a game that we'd love to see in year 5.

 

[NJCat83588]

Fitz has said many times that he doesn't look to burn redshirt to play special teams. Montre Hartage has played nothing but special teams that I've noticed. I've heard nothing but glowing reports about him. I just find it odd that we redshirt players we Don't think will get a 5th year but we burn shirts of guys to play 8 plays a game that we'd love to see in year 5.

I suspect he'll get some time in the CB rotation today.........

 

[gocatsgo2003]

Fitz has said many times that he doesn't look to burn redshirt to play special teams. Montre Hartage has played nothing but special teams that I've noticed. I've heard nothing but glowing reports about him. I just find it odd that we redshirt players we Don't think will get a 5th year but we burn shirts of guys to play 8 plays a game that we'd love to see in year 5.

You're absolutely right that's what he has previously said. Hartage has played primarily special teams to date (and been phenomenal, by the way), which seems to be a shift in philosophy. However, he's also now on the two deep with Harris' injury, so I'm guessing the coaches are happy he's available. Guessing that's a situation where it was clear he was "on the flight deck" and he has been excellent on special teams in practice, so the coaches decided it was worth it.

To your second point, NU never brings in guys thinking that they won't be back for a fifth year. Players are recruited because coaches think they will contribute to the team. It's never the case where coaches evaluate a player and say "well, he's ok, but will probably need a redshirt and I doubt he will be good enough for a fifth year, but let's offer him anyway." It sometimes works out that way, but is never Plan A.