Someone with knowledge of the situation is telling us that LB Etienne Sabino will redshirt this season. Sabino did not see action last night against Marshall, and our source tells us the move is voluntary on Sabino's part in order to create separation between himself and Brian Rolle at the MIKE spot.
If true, Sabino will have two years remaining at OSU and will likely be your starting middle linebacker in 2011 and 2012. As long as he is not needed this season, I think this is a great move for Sabino as he allows himself to get two years as a starter and can continue to learn the position from a mental standpoint. Being that the Bucks substitute the STAR out for the SAM often in what is becoming ultimately their base defense, the permanent move to MIKE is a smart one on Sabino's part.
The source we have is reliable, although we cannot 100% confirm the redshirt at this point. Stay tuned for updates and verification, but if true, what are your thoughts?