[matcar]

Originally Posted by jlb1705

You're mostly right. In Clifford's case, the sixth year (to play four) is not necessary at this point. The medical hardship waiver (redshirt) means he preserved a year of competition.

If he had not been granted the waiver by the conference, he would be down to four years left to play three seasons. Since he got the waiver though, he now has four years left to play four seasons.

The only time there is a need to appeal for a sixth year is when the number of seasons of remaining eligible competition is greater than the time left in which to complete them.

Because Clifford's injury happened as a true freshman (and the same holds for any player who has not used their "traditional" redshirt year), essentially what he got was a mulligan. The Buckeyes were able to retroactively apply a redshirt to him even though he had already played some games.

Thanks for the explanation... a mulligan!