The Missouri Valley Conference is a place where redshirts are honored and experience valued as the way to level the playing field. From Randal Falker to Ron Baker to Matt Bohannon, success stories are celebrated at almost every school.
The strategy, however, is no longer an ucomplicated way to produce a veteran roster.
MVC coaches are evaluating their affection for redshirts, in part because the tactic works too well. The NCAA’s graduate transfer rule, instituted in 2006 and gaining in popularity, means schools can lose the prized fifth season of eligibility to another school.
“It’s hunting season,” Southern Illinois coach Barry Hinson said.