Age
I teach college and occasionally get football players in my classes. I was shocked when I found out that there are often students who transfer in who are coming to play football that have not yet played at the collegiate level and they are considered freshmen for sports if they have not used any eligibilty. I still don't think this is right, but it is what they have told me. There is one student that I had in class who is 24 and only played one year at a junior college before transfering and he is still considered a sophmore.
I am also amazed at how much maturing happens that first year among most freshmen, so I understand why they are often redshirted. That means that when an 18 or 19 year old comes straight out of high school and can contribute it really is a pretty amazing thing, especially when you consider how many older guys they are competing against for the spot.
I am sure those on here that played can clarify some of this better though.
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