Expert: Thom Brooks - 10/26/2007

Question
D 1 Big Ten Conference Football.  Have a son who was hurt his senior year in college in the fourth game.  It was a torn tendon off the bone--season ending.  The school checked informally with NCAA/Big Ten and said since it happened in his fourth game the 20% rule would not allow a medical redshirt.  He had played one season at a juco then transferred to D 1 school as a walk-on.  He graduated last May in 4 years.  He was notified last June that the NCAA had reversed the 20% rule back to 30% which now he would qualify for a medical redshirt.  He rushed to get back in shape earned a starting job as a safety.  In July knowing he was 6 months behind the other players, he strained his groin muscle.  He continue to practice and played 4 games into this season.  Unfortuately in the fourth game in the first couple plays tore this muscle.  He continued to play and in the second half suffered a concussion.  He hasn't been able to play since.  Again in the 4th game.  He is within the 30% rule again.  He never had a redshirt year.  His first year at the D 1 school they had planned to redshirt him but started playing him in the 5th game. Where he never had a actual redshirt, but used a medical redshirt last season, is another medical redshirt possible.  P.S.  He currently is taking classes toward a Masters Degree.  Thanks Patrick Moylan

Answer
Patrick, hello!  Yes, I answered his inquiry but do not think he would be eligible for a second Red Shirt.  The NCAA would have to give an answer on a case by case basis and he likely has only 3 years of Eligibility left.

Have a great day!

Thom Brooks