Idk if my point is being missed or what. I'm saying DL IMO can usually benefit from sitting out a year because they can focus on weight training and conditioning.
You seem to agree that most gains in that department come from off season. That's because in season, you don't lift as much. If these freshman know they are not playing, they can lift more/harder, because they don't have to save themselves for gameday. Besides, RS still get practice reps.
I'm not saying there's no benefit to real reps as a true frosh DL, just that IMO the year of weight training is more important for the guys that don't come in as 5 stars.
Never played college anything, twice first time all conference RB, once 2nd team all state in high school (admittedly. I was a little overrated). Also ran track and played basketball.