Gotta agree with Grumpy on this point TD. Elam played in all 12 games and was in on 10 tackles. However, I only remember him making cameo appearances. I just don't think that was enough "contribution" to warrant burning a red shirt. He was listed at the back up to Lewis at the 0/1 tech but, playing so few snaps, I think they could have gotten by with other (but lighter) options if they truly wanted to preserve his red shirt. But that is not always the case.
Radio/TV announcers were alway quick to announce "big #69 just entered the game" and sometimes he was out before I could find him. I was at the Mizzou game and when he came in I put my glasses on him and he got man handled by the MO center. I recall he got in on one tackle when the defense forced a Mizzou RB back into the center of the field pursuit.
As I noted he came in to UK at 393# and per a November roster played at 375#. His limited PT and limited contributions make me believe that the staff's decision to play him was driven by something other than what he could contribute as a t-FR. And, if so, that's fine. Every situation is a little different. I'm sure they had a "reason" to play him but I'm not sure it had much to do with expected on field "contributions". All, of course, JMO.
Peace