Roses

Rumors

After a particularly intense practice, Y/n L/n was called into the coach's office. Inside, Urban Meyer and Ryan Day were waiting, their expressions serious but supportive.

"Y/n, come on in," Coach Meyer began, gesturing for him to sit down. "We've been watching you closely, and you've shown incredible potential."

Ryan Day nodded in agreement. "You've got all the tools to be a great player for us, Y/n. But right now, we think the best path for you is to redshirt this season."

Y/n was taken aback. He had been eager to make an impact on the field immediately, but he knew these men had his best interests in mind.

"We know you're ready to play," Meyer continued, sensing Y/n's hesitation. "But we want to give you time to develop even more—to get stronger, faster, and fully adjusted to the college game."

Day leaned forward, his tone reassuring. "This redshirt year will give you the chance to focus on your skills without the pressure of game day.

You'll still be practicing with the team, learning the playbook, and staying sharp. And if something happens—if J.K. Dobbins or Mike Weber goes down—you'll need to be ready. We trust you to step up when the team needs you."

Y/n nodded slowly, absorbing their words. It wasn't what he had envisioned, but he understood the logic behind it. A year to grow, to prepare, and to be ready when his number was called could set him up for even greater success.

"We believe in you, Y/n," Meyer said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "This is just the beginning of your journey. Stay focused, keep working hard, and your time will come."

With that, Y/n left the office, his mind spinning with thoughts of the future. Though he wouldn't be on the field this season, he knew that every practice, every rep, was a step toward the moment when he'd finally get his shot. And when that moment came, he'd be ready.

After practice, Dwayne Haskins noticed Y/n lingering near the sidelines, clearly deep in thought. Word had spread quickly that Y/n would be redshirting his freshman season, and Dwayne, always the supportive teammate, decided to offer some words of encouragement.

"Hey, Y/n," Dwayne called out as he approached, a reassuring smile on his face. "I heard the news about the redshirt. How you holding up?"

Y/n shrugged, trying to keep his disappointment in check. "I guess I'm okay. Just wasn't what I expected, you know?"

Dwayne nodded, understanding exactly where Y/n was coming from. "I get it, man. But if it makes you feel any better, I redshirted my freshman year too. I wanted to get out there and show what I could do, but looking back, it was one of the best decisions for my development."

Y/n looked up, surprised. "You did?"

"Yeah," Dwayne said with a chuckle. "And look how it turned out. That extra year gave me time to learn the system, get stronger, and really understand the game at this level. Plus, it set me up for success when my time finally came."

Y/n absorbed Dwayne's words, finding comfort in the fact that someone as successful as Dwayne had gone through a similar experience.

"And don't forget," Dwayne added, "Mike Weber is likely declaring for the draft this year. So next season, you and J.K. could be leading the backfield. You've got a bright future ahead of you, Y/n. This redshirt is just a pit stop, not the end of the road."

Y/n felt a weight lift off his shoulders, Dwayne's words putting things into perspective. "Thanks, Dwayne. That really helps. I'll make the most of this year and be ready when my time comes."

Dwayne clapped him on the back. "I know you will. We're all counting on you. Just keep grinding, and when you finally hit the field, everyone's going to see what you're made of."