Big Bam Can Play In The Rest Of Utah’s Games
Nov 1, 2019, 12:51 PM | Updated: 12:59 pm
(Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Bamidele Olaseni is finally eligible to play the remainder of the season without being penalized by the NCAA given that Utah has four games left on their schedule.
On June 13th, 2018, the NCAA changed its policy on the redshirt rule, allowing players to compete in up to four games without losing a season of eligibility. This rule, however, only applies during the regular season.
If Utah is able to make it to the Pac-12 Championship game, players who are redshirting are eligible to compete in the game and not be punished accordingly. The same goes for a bowl game.
I do not know if Olaseni will see snaps this weekend in Husky Stadium, although I do know that if he does, it will likely be at right tackle. Simi Moala is currently listed as the starting right tackle on the Utah depth chart, although Olaseni is right on his heels.
Olaseni is a highly touted recruit, listed at 6’7″, 330 lbs, he was the number 10 ranked offensive tackle in the country and had offers from the likes of Auburn, Ohio State, Nebraska and Texas. The man is a giant and looks twice as big when he straps the pads and helmet on.
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Big Bam! Celebrated OT Bamidele Olaseni (#10-ranked offensive tackle in the country) has signed with the Utes! First-team NJCAA All-American and four-star recruit. Learn more https://t.co/TCWo6tADgN. #UtahNSD19 #goutes pic.twitter.com/DalYv6zSQs
— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) February 6, 2019
Prior to the Cal game kicking off, I was fortunate to speak with offensive line coach Jim Harding, who told me that Olaseni’s biggest attribute is “his willingness to learn”. High praise coming from a man that has coached a number of NFL caliber offensive lineman.
Whether we see Olaseni line up at right tackle this weekend or not is still to be determined. However, the highly anticipated debut of Olaseni will be sure to have the Utah fanbase licking their chops at his talent.