Starting FR Seems Like A Bad Idea

[YaketySax]

Physically they are rarely ready to grind for 12 games. How many times did Walker start? I know of other times under Stoops true FR start towards the end of seasons due to poor depth or injuries (example is Darrian Kinnard at RT).

Also, Paschal started off as OLB before putting on weight and moving inside. That was also 2017 before there was as much depth as the 2024 front 7 features.

 

[tdcat]

Starting? It says they expect to use them as pass rushers.

 

[Deeeefense]

Getting on the field isn't "starting" no way these guys pass up JJ and Fearbry, but they may get them some snaps.
The problem is half the time you only have 1 OLB/edge rusher in the game with Afari in the Sam spot as a hybrid OLB/safety type player with coverage responsibilities.

 

[Blouman]

I don't think we will have to rely on freshman on our defensive side. Plenty
of talent and experience there. But hopefully we can get big enough leads
in some games to get them some snaps.

 

[Grumpyolddawg]

I don't know who you are talking about, but a true frosh starting game 1 in SEC gives you a good chance of having an AA before he heads to NFL. It doesn't really matter which SEC team either.

 

[blue cincy]

Does not matter the class, FR to SR, if you are good you will be on the field.

 

[The-Hack]

Bama and Georgia have had outstanding Frosh playing and occasionally starting during the last ten years.

Especially on defense.

5 Star and high 4 Star talent might only be around three years, and now even less with the Portal.

Play ‘em if you Got Em!!

 

[RDF922]

This isn’t going to go over well but those guys for the most part are gonna be redshirt candidates.
Play in four games and save the year of eligibility when they should be very good.

If the Cats didn’t have depth at their positions MAYBE they play enough to lose redshirt, but Cats are deep.

 

[Soupbean]

As Hack pointed out Redshirt years have become irrelevant for the most talented players, they'll never be 4 or 5 year players so you play them when they are ready and when and as soon as you need them - simple as that.

 

[BigBlueManSouthCentralKY]

Hayes, Gadson, Young and Marshall out for the year basically. That is three DL so could see a couple of frosh maybe playing a little.

 

[vhcat70]

^ I thought Hayes said after the out for the year idea came out that he'd be ready about game three. No?

 

[BigBlueManSouthCentralKY]

^ I thought Hayes said after the out for the year idea came out that he'd be ready about game three. No?

Not according to Stoops.

 

[Grumpyolddawg]

Bama and Georgia have had outstanding Frosh playing and occasionally starting during the last ten years.

Especially on defense.

5 Star and high 4 Star talent might only be around three years, and now even less with the Portal.

Play ‘em if you Got Em!!

Exactly, because if you don't someone is going to tamper with your roster and buy a few players. We have FSU constantly contacting our players, I really wish Kirby had hung 80 on them in bowl game. Not sure who UK would have contacting its players but someone is watching and looking for one that might be tempted.

 

[UKat51]

Getting on the field isn't "starting" no way these guys pass up JJ and Fearbry, but they may get them some snaps.
The problem is half the time you only have 1 OLB/edge rusher in the game with Afari in the Sam spot as a hybrid OLB/safety type player with coverage responsibilities.

Can play in 4 games without burning redshirt

 

[Grumpyolddawg]

Can play in 4 games without burning redshirt

The downside of that is they turn out better than expected you get 2 years out of them before they head to the NFL. NIL will likely keep some later round guys around, but difference makers like top 2 rounds will be hard to keep

 

[The-Hack]

This isn’t going to go over well but those guys for the most part are gonna be redshirt candidates.

So true.

But by Playoff/Bowl Season, I’d bet that 3
or 4 are in the two-deep, with one or
two starting. We recruit at a level, now that has completely changed the decision making on redshirts.

For decades, we saw occassional true frosh playing from sheer necessity.