many times I have informed the recruit of my intent to redshirt, and I have never gotten this before:

"Hey Coach, I can pretty much scratch your school off the list - redshirt me? I don't think so."

But he hasn't scratched me off the list, I am still being considered.    what do I take away from this?
I coupled the discussion with a CV to offset . . I am never clear what order things are resolved in.   Perhaps I was unconsidered for a second and then got it back with the CV?

I wait until I sign them and then redshirt based on depth at position. This has been an "ok" decision 3 of 4 times.

It means you are good to go - he WILL take the redshirt.  Now, the inform of RS has erased some of your effort on him - but your old and new effort is enough to overcome that negative effect

I think fd343ny is correct. I have sent the redshirt without any extra effort and was dropped from his list right away. Sent extra effort I was back on. I think if your still on the list your good. Of course I believe I also got a scholly e-mail saying so but can't remember.