The NCAA may be on its way to adopting new rules that would dramatically change how redshirt players can be used.
According to ESPN, the American Football Coaches Association is considering a proposal that would allow players to play in up to four games without losing their redshirt status.
Todd Berry, the director of the AFCA, told ESPN the proposal has received almost unanimous support, noting that the current rules, which cost a player an entire season of eligibility for even one game appearance, are unfair. "This needs to pass," Berry said. "I don't know that there is [a counterargument]."
Berry said that things have changed since redshirt rules were first implemented, including scholarship limits and expanded schedules. He also suggested that redshirt status takes a toll on student-athletes. “Emotionally it's the most difficult, academically it's the most difficult, because you don't feel like you're included on the team, and you've been a part of this all your life," Berry said.
The proposal will be presented to the NCAA later this month and is expected to be adopted by a vote as early as April.
