someone explain the redshirt deal (VT's Tyrod Taylor)

I think you have to announce to the NCAA that your redshirting a player because if you don't then they think he will be part of the playing roster. I am sure at that point even if you wanted to not let anybody know, they will find out soon enough so why try to hide it.

Every athlete in college has 5 years to play 4. If you pay in a game, you have to get a medical redshirt and approved by the NCAA. If Glennon gets on the field and takes one snap against W&M, and he breaks his leg(which would be our luck), then he could get a medical redshirt. A college football player can only play in 20%(3 games) before declaring a medical redshirt. If you declare a redshirt, it has to be within the first half of a football season, and no time on the field can occur after the 5th game. So if a player gets injured this week or the next, he can still qualify for a medical redshirt. You can't get injured in the last game of the year and that being the second game you played in all year and get a medical redshirt.