What is what does it mean to be a redshirt freshman?

A redshirt freshman is a college athlete who is in their second academic year but their first year of athletic eligibility. This status arises from the practice of "redshirting."

• Redshirting (linked: https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Redshirting) allows a student-athlete to practice with the team but not participate in official games or competitions for a year. This typically happens during their initial freshman year.

• The primary reason for redshirting is to give the athlete more time to develop physically and mentally, learn the team's system, and improve their skills without using up a year of their eligibility. It also benefits the team, allowing them to retain a player for a longer period.

• After a year of redshirting, the athlete enters their second academic year as a redshirt freshman (linked: https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Redshirt%20Freshman). They now have four years of athletic eligibility remaining, assuming they don't redshirt again or encounter other eligibility issues.

• Eligibility (linked: https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/College%20Athlete%20Eligibility) rules are set by governing bodies like the NCAA.