To redshirt or not to redshirt

For every fifth-year senior, there is a true freshman forced into action. One of the hardest things for a young athlete to recognize is that if the opportunity to redshirt is available, patience can prove to be a virtue. That said, the decision to redshirt as a true freshman can be one of the most pain-staking processes an 18-year-old may go through in their athletic career. But, redshirting often turns out to be one of the best decisions a young athlete can make.

"There are three things that we feel are advantageous about redshirting," explained head coach Mack Brown. "First of all, if the player isn't quite mature enough, it may be better to take a year to get used to being away from home. Second, if there are enough good players and he may not play a lot, it is a good idea to let the veterans play while taking a year to improve. The third thing is based on academics. Players have a chance to get settled in because they aren't under as much pressure immediately."

The transition to college is certainly not an easy one. Add a demanding football schedule to a difficult class schedule, and often times, a freshman player can feel overwhelmed. But, the option to redshirt can allow those same players to experience life as a student-athlete while getting acclimated to the classroom, a college campus and, as coach Brown stated, being away from home.

"There are a lot of positives to redshirting that don't have to do with just getting used to school and football at this level," explained fifth-year senior Tony Jeffery, a prep quarterback who made the transition to wide receiver. "I was able to get adjusted to college life and even see my family on weekends when the team traveled."

Redshirting can also help get a player mentally and physically prepared for college football. The speed, power and complexity of the game is much greater than that on the high school level, so it is often beneficial for players to take the time to adjust to life on the field as well as off of it.

"By redshirting, I was able to relax and learn the offense," explained redshirt-sophomore quarterback Vince Young, who after redshirting in 2002 earned Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year honors last fall. "I used the entire first year to study film and game plans so that I would be prepared when it was my time to step on the field. I would recommend redshirting to anyone because of how much it helped me."

Fifth-year senior center Jason Glynn, a starter in 30 straight games, agreed.

"As a lineman, unless you have great size coming into school, it gives you a chance to grow and let your body mature. The offenses are more difficult in college as well, so taking the time to learn, while improving your body, will give you a better chance to succeed on the field. I know it helped me a lot."

Because many freshmen aren't ready to compete on the collegiate level, redshirting can turn into increased playing time throughout the player's career and especially toward the tail end. A freshman may play a little in their initial season on campus, but in many instances, it isn't nearly as much time as they could see as a fifth-year senior.

"My dad always taught me to be patient," added Jeffery. "I believe when it is your time, it is your time. If you look at my career, Roy (Williams), B.J. (Johnson) and Sloan (Thomas) were all here in what would have been my senior year. Thanks to redshirting, I'm having the opportunity this season to show what I can do."

"Being patient can definitely turn into more playing time," explained Glynn. "A freshman may play some during that season, but in most cases, a fifth-year senior has the chance to shine."

It seems very difficult to find a player who has gone through the process and looks upon redshirting in a negative light. They all seem to believe that it helps a young student-athlete get used to college and pays major dividends throughout their careers. Then, why doesn't every player redshirt?

"I would recommend that every player coming in redshirt, " said offensive coordinator Greg Davis. "But, in some cases, there is a need for that player to play right away. Also, there are some players who are talented enough to be on the field, but I don't know of any redshirt in my 32 years of coaching who thinks it was a mistake."

Despite that ratio, it is still a tough decision for an 18-year-old to make.

"Many of these players that are coming into college campuses are used to being the star or the hero during high school, and they aren't interested in being on the scout team," explained Davis. "But, they slowly start to realize the advantages of redshirting as they go through it."

"It was the toughest decision I've ever made," said Jeffery. "It was hard that first year, and I definitely wasn't a big fan of redshirting. But, the farther removed I get, the more I appreciate it and I'm glad it's paying off."

The University of Texas at Austin Athletics