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[QUOTE="RF2044, post: 1426149, member: 40"]
Bam, as many others have said above, thanks for the detailed write up.  It is cool to get a sneak peek behind the curtain for what the incoming frosh are experiencing as they join the program.
 
I just have one thought I'd like to leave you with: [U]redshirting isn't necessarily the worst thing[/U], and certainly would [U]NOT[/U] constitute failure for Shy this year.  I know he's worked unbelievably hard to get to this point.  And believe me--that work ethic will serve him well.
 
But not making his way onto the playing field this year has ZERO to do with his long term potential.  In fact, it could be a blessing in disguise.  It would enable Shy to:
 
[LIST]
[*]Get his feet firmly planted academically, with a whole year [plus two summer sessions] under his belt before he has to worry about the additional pressure of game prep / having to play
[*]Learn the defensive system and what his assignments are
[*]Have an extra year to get acclimated to the speed of the college game
[*]Have an extra year to physically mature [not suggesting he isn't strong already] in a collegiate S&C program
[*]Space him out a year eligibility-wise from some of the guys who are entrenched as starters ahead of him on the depth chart
[/LIST]
So, while not seeing the field this year might seem like Shy not achieving his goal, it is far from it in actuality.  I'd rather see him not play and have a great 5th season for us as an exerpienced senior than have him blow a year of eligibility for a handful of defensive snaps and some token special teams play this year.
 
Whatever happens, I hope that Shy maximizes his college experience both in the classroom and on the gridiron.  Redshirting might be the ticket to doing so.
[/QUOTE]

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