The risk is future recruits who have a choice between going to a school who will let them compete and play on day 1 versus a school who insists that they redshirt. Les has learned that he doesn't need to hold back the talent and wait for it to have a few years down the road. If you haven't noticed, the recruits are lining up to play for LSU and will contonue to do so in the near future. The opportunity to play now is one of many reasons why I'm willing to bet. Don't worry about who will QB the team in 2014-2015. That guy probably isn't on the roster until 2013.
I sure agree with that last part. However, that isn't the point. It's not that anyone thinks Kiel will be the starter next season. But the opportunity to compete in spring and fall practice, during which time he may earn some snaps in real game situations, that can only HELP LSU. For instance...if God forbid there's an injury to whomever the starter is, it would be nice if Kiel had the confidence to step in if needed...due to having gotten some mop up snaps in live action. - It doesn't matter. There's no promise of a redshirt...just as there's no promise of NOT redshirting...at this point. That determination won't come until sometime between the first snap of the first game and the final snap of the final game 2012. A lot of it will depend on what the coaches see in practice, which there's a LOT of between now and then.
I think this post sums it up best. The staff will make a determination at the appropriate time what's best for the athlete and the team.
My take: After what transpired with Lee in 2008, no way Miles puts this damn stong program in that posoition again. The only way Kiel starts will be due to injury or suspension (God I hope not). Kiel will be redshirted if at all possible to keep the recruiting classes alligned for the future. You never know when someone will leave early for the NFL or transfer.
