[Goose]

I was surprised at first, and a little concerned, but then when I thought about it, I didn’t think TT’s decision was unreasonable. With all  the changes in what it means to be a “senior,” I think it’s reasonable to redefine it as “using one’s last year of eligibility.”

I don't agree. I think it is much more reasonable to define it as the year you receive your undergraduate degree. That may be compatible with what TT has said: "But if you have eligibility left, unless somebody comes to me, I’m assuming they’re gonna be back to play for the Card.”

One would hope TT is close enough to his players to know who intends to graduate and who intends to stay for a fifth year without graduating. I would expect he has talked already to the guys he wants back just to ensure they know it. Maybe TT needs to help them get into a Stanford graduate program. He shouldn't have to "assume" anything. However, TT seems to be saying that if you tell him you are graduating, you can walk. 

There are always going to be players who "redshirted" their freshman year simply because they weren't good enough to play. Preventing these players from having a senior walk because they are graduating in four years makes no sense at all, even if they have eligibility left. If that isn't the case, it is IMO a big problem.

[Goose]

I was surprised at first, and a little concerned, but then when I thought about it, I didn’t think TT’s decision was unreasonable. With all  the changes in what it means to be a “senior,” I think it’s reasonable to redefine it as “using one’s last year of eligibility.”

I don't agree. I think it is much more reasonable to define it as the year you receive your undergraduate degree. That may be compatible with what TT has said: "But if you have eligibility left, unless somebody comes to me, I’m assuming they’re gonna be back to play for the Card.”

One would hope TT is close enough to his players to know who intends to graduate and who intends to stay for a fifth year without graduating. I would expect he has talked already to the guys he wants back just to ensure they know it. Maybe TT needs to help them get into a Stanford graduate program. He shouldn't have to "assume" anything. However, TT seems to be saying that if you tell him you are graduating, you can walk. 

There are always going to be players who "redshirted" their freshman year simply because they weren't good enough to play. Preventing these players from having a senior walk because they are graduating in four years makes no sense at all, even if they have eligibility left. If that isn't the case, it is IMO a big problem.