Was that ever really a rule? I don't remember it ever actually being a rule, just a common misconception. I think it comes from the current medical hardship rule in which a player cannot compete in more than 30% of competition.
It was a rule but it wasn't a simple as the 1st 3 games which is where the misconception came in. There was also a percentage of snaps in a game taken into account which deemed some who only played in the 1st 3 games ineligible for a redshirt. But anyone who played in game 4 and on was not eligible no matter how many snaps they played. Like when we used Corey Webster in the '03 NC game. The Hardship rule also used and still uses a percentage of competition guideline of 20% (2 games) but the injury has to occur during the 1st half of the season.
After the UNC game, Hannigrif was talking about how the last time he heard about a coach not playing a freshman because of pass blocking was in 1996. That player was Shaun Alexander. We all know what happened that game. I'm all for Ridley getting a bunch of carries when he is running well. I just feel bad for Ford.
But Hannigrif is missing the other main reason Blue and Ware got action. We already have a back similar to Ford in Ridley. Ware and Blue can give us different looks with their skill sets. Miles actually addressed that today.
