Saban, SEC coaches support proposed redshirt rule change

The American Football Coaches Association has put forth a proposal to the NCAA regarding more playing freedom for prospective redshirts, and Nick Saban is all for it.

The rule change proposed by the AFCA would grant players the ability to play up to four games a year without burning a season of eligibility, and Alabama's head coach is "absolutely in favor" of such an adjustment, according to Edward Aschoff of ESPN.

"It would actually enhance their development to some degree," Saban said Monday. "With the numbers that we have right now and the number of games that we're playing, you might be able to play a few more players in some of those games, and that would help some of the other players on your team, as well."

A number of other SEC head coaches chimed in with their support during Monday's SEC postspring teleconference. Tennessee's Butch Jones was also vocal in his desire to see more players be free to see the field more often.

"Being able to put a young man in those early games, see how they react to it, I think they can develop confidence," Jones said.

LSU's Ed Orgeron also echoed Jones' sentiments.

"The more you can play, the better," Orgeron said. "This is basketball on grass nowadays. You have some offenses out there trying to run 100 plays. The game has doubled since when we played so I think the more guys you can without burning a year would be great."

The benefit to such a rule change is that players will not have to worry about burning a year of eligibility due to an untimely injury, or some other factor that could cause them to play below their capabilities. The rule would also allow true freshmen to gain experience quicker, allowing for increased development throughout their collegiate careers.