Do 4-year schools ever consider redshirting JUCO transfers or do they usually expect them to be able to play right away?
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Assuming transferring after using both JC years, it depends upon the school, however it seems most D1 schools are looking for kids that can play right away from a JC, otherwise they get cut or become a backup.
Kinda what I thought. Just have a kid who is still maturing physically so wondered if an added year of concentrating on building another 15-20 lbs. of muscle would make a difference. Thanks for your response.
Outfielder, there are various factors involved here.
1. Because Div. I has the roster size limit, it is much less likely that they will redshirt a JUCO transfer. They might be willing to do so with a walk-on who they have not invested a scholarship in, but because of the roster size limit, if they don't keep the athlete on the 35-man roster, then he can't even practice with the team after mid-February. Although if he's concentrating on just getting bigger and stronger, that might be OK.
2. Since Div. II schools don't have a roster limit (unless it is self-imposed due to budget or other issues) they are probably more willing to bring in a JUCO transfer as a walk-on and redshirt them.
3. As opposed to the Div. I "five-year clock", the Div. II, III, or NAIA "10-semester rule" might work to the advantage of this type of player. If the athlete is not enrolled as a full-time student, that semester doesn't count against their 10-semester limit for eligibility. The downside, however, is that they are not eligible to practice or work out with the team if they aren't enrolled as a full-time student.