If you do this, then who is your back up next year? Gebbia? I don't think that works well at all.
Don't pull O'Briens redshirt this year unless Ryker goes down. That way next year Tanner Lee can start (assuming he beats out POB) and POB can be his backup while Gebbia redshirts.
He can still be the backup...you don't "redshirt" until the end of the year...so keep his as #2 and maybe you get lucky and never have to play him.
He's already a backup and we're already hoping we don't have to play him...what's your point?
My point is...you can play his this year if he gives the team a better chance to win over Fyfe...
And you could still redshirt him next year if you wanted.
How is this difficult?
Shoot, we have a LBer doing the same thing right now.
Plus, we have been told over and over how Tanner Lee is basically one and done, a possible first round pick.
We are NOT going to play him over Fyfe. The only way POB sees the field is if Fyfe and Armstrong are both out. We are not going to pull his redshirt this year in order to play him just because fans think he can win us a couple of games, it hurts us long term because next year our backup is redshirting or never gets his redshirt year. Why is this difficult for you?
Who cares if Tanner is one and done? POB will still get his development time.
One doesn't develop on the scout team. There is no substitute for game experience. NU lacks competition at every position. Competition develops depth. Either the talent is not their to develop or the coaches can not develop the talent.