WATCH: UConn Football Players, Coaches React to New Redshirt Rule

There aren’t too many players that have had a crazier collegiate career than Donovan Williams.

As former UConn head coach Bob Diaco tried to save his job in 2016, he benched starter Bryant Shirreffs and decided to burn Donovan Williams’ redshirt for four meaningless games at the end of the season. The decision did nothing to save Diaco’s job and squandered a year of eligibility for Williams, but the junior has still managed to make the most out of his time in Storrs. After Diaco’s exit, Williams has now switched positions to wide receiver and now helps lead the special teams unit.

Earlier this summer, the NCAA announced a major change to the way redshirts could be awarded

With the new redshirt rule passed earlier this summer, Williams would have been able to play in those four games and maintain his redshirt. This decision - one that coaches had lobbied for for years - should give players and coaches more flexibility to evaluate talent and deal with injuries.