[OutsiderFan]

But Luck didn't stay (for a fifth year.) He is the model for the downside of redshirting.

Actually, Solomon Thomas is.  He only played two seasons at Stanford because rather than play as a True Frosh, he redshirted.  The year he didn't play, Stanford went 8-5.  If he played that year, does Stanford win 10 games?  I have my doubts.  But he is a cautionary tale about how it makes sense to play the best players, particularly the most coveted recruits, immediately, even if they may not be as ready as they could be as RS Frosh.  If you play them, not only do you get at least three years of service from them, but you also set examples of how the most sought after recruits can play early at your school, something the top recruits often want to see.

And just to be clear, Thomas would have been insane to return for his 3rd college football season when he was set to be a Top 10, and ultimately was, the #3 overall pick in the NFL draft.

[OutsiderFan]

But Luck didn't stay (for a fifth year.) He is the model for the downside of redshirting.

Actually, Solomon Thomas is.  He only played two seasons at Stanford because rather than play as a True Frosh, he redshirted.  The year he didn't play, Stanford went 8-5.  If he played that year, does Stanford win 10 games?  I have my doubts.  But he is a cautionary tale about how it makes sense to play the best players, particularly the most coveted recruits, immediately, even if they may not be as ready as they could be as RS Frosh.  If you play them, not only do you get at least three years of service from them, but you also set examples of how the most sought after recruits can play early at your school, something the top recruits often want to see.

And just to be clear, Thomas would have been insane to return for his 3rd college football season when he was set to be a Top 10, and ultimately was, the #3 overall pick in the NFL draft.