Montel Harris Out For Clemson Game: Can He Still Be Redshirted?

Karma must really hate Boston College. First we have had to sit through an entire season of underperforming athletes, devastating injuries and questionable coaching. At the apex of all this chaos has been the questionable return of Montel Harris. At first many BC fans were praying that his return would spark a resurgence of the offense, which it has, but not to the point that he could help them win games. Now it has all gone to hell.

Harris isn't playing this weekend, which is going to blast the Vegas Odds into the upper stratosphere. On his break from constantly talking about Big East expansion, Boston Globe "writer" Mark Blaudschun said that Harris's knee had gotten worse since he had returned.

"Montel had an MRI and he had a little swelling so we are shutting him down,'' said Spaziani. "They just did the MRI. I haven't had time to discuss with Montel, but he isn't playing this week and next week we have off.''

It sounds like he is going to miss some significant time. But Is his days done at Boston College? Not necessarily. According to the NCAA, he still meets the requirements to be redshirted and still have eligibility for next season. However, Harris would have to be shut down for the remainder of this year for this to happen.

The medical hardship waiver can be requested to the appropriate conference or to the NCAA if the institution is an independent. The following situation must be met per NCAA rules:

a) the incapacitating injury or illness occurs either during the senior year of high school or during one of the four seasons of intercollegiate competition

b) the injury or illness occurs prior to the first half of the playing season that concludes with the NCAA Championship in that sport, and

c) the student-athlete has not participated in more than two contests or 20% of the scheduled contests (whichever is greater)

Harris would still qualify to play if he wanted to come back as he has only played two games this season, meaning he would qualify for the waiver. Now the question remains, would he want to return given the shape of BC football? That is only a question Mr. Harris himself can answer.