Criteria for Redshirt, and Who Will Play as Freshmen

Every year Mike Gundy signs a new bunch of freshman in a recruiting class, he gets a fairly limited time to see them on campus either in the weight room or on the football field. But how long does it take for him to determine who will redshirt — and how?

Well, that question seems to be getting answered by Sunday, he told reporters after practice today:

“I like where our team’s at right now. At the end of the week, well by the end of the week I mean Sunday, we’ll make decisions on which freshmen we think will play in the first game. Then the others will be in some sort of redshirt mode, unless there’s a guy right there on the bubble.”

Mike Gundy breaks down Thursday's practice pic.twitter.com/GZ1pQgupCp

— Kendrick Marshall (@KD_Marshall) August 11, 2016

So the criteria with which he approaches this decision isn’t taken lightly. After several weeks of evaluation and film study in fall training camp, the staff comes together to make decisions on who will play and who won’t. These decisions aren’t based totally on talent, but rather take into account depth at the respective position, projected impact, and how they look in camp.

If the coaches feel the freshman can contribute, there isn’t much choice but to play them. You want your top talent on the field, regardless of classification (or weight — see Jalen Mccleskey, 2015).

Some names I would throw out to watch that I think should get a chance to play as freshman include:

Dillon Stoner — WR 

Stoner is making waves as a frosh who came into camp ready to go and is primed to not only play, but also could play a prominent role in the passing game. The former Jenks star is lightning quick and is a heady player who plays above his freshman tag. He’s a swiss army knife and, just like last year with Jalen McCleskey, he’s too talented to keep off the field.

Tyrell Alexander — WR

Alexander is a name that hasn’t come up as much but he could play, especially with the receiving corps. taking a hit with Ateman out. Alexander spent time in high school as a dual-threat QB for Lancaster, but is a special athlete who will be a tough matchup on the outside with his leaping ability. He won’t be featured in the offense like Stoner might be, but as with other freshmen in the past a la James Washington, he may get some good playing time outside.

Justice Hill — RB

When Gundy talks about redshirts and guys on the bubble, I think both Hill and the below mentioned Bundage would be in the conversation. Hill had a monster senior year for Booker T. but the running back position this year is loaded with depth with Barry J., Chris Carson, Rennie Childs, Jeff Carr…. Hill, however is a special talent, in my opinion. If the coaches feel he’s physically ready for this level, I think he should see the field. But that will be a tough determination, given the depth at running back. If they feel he can jump up to No. 3 or 4, then I think there’s a chance he plays this year.

Calvin Bundage — LB

Bundage is another talent that is coming into a fairly deep group of linebackers. Jordan Phillips, Josh Mabin, Jordan Burton, Devante Averette, Gyasi Akem, Kirk Tucker, Kevin Henry, Chad Whitener… all those guys figure to be in the mix to get playing time. His potential playing time will depend on whether he can overtake some of those veteran guys who have been in the program. It will be a fun competition to see unfold.