Football is a highly competitive game, especially at the collegiate level, where players strive to make their mark and secure a spot on the team.
However, not all players are ready to compete at the college level immediately after high school.
This is where the concept of redshirting comes into play.
Here we look at what redshirting means in football, its purpose, eligibility rules, and its impact on players and teams.
Understanding Redshirting in Football
Redshirting is a term commonly used in college sports, including football, to describe a practice where a student-athlete sits out for a year without participating in any official games.
The purpose of redshirting is to provide an additional year of eligibility for the athlete, allowing them to develop their skills, gain experience, and adjust to the demands of college athletics.
Redshirting is not limited to football; it is also prevalent in other sports such as basketball, baseball, and soccer.
However, in this article, we will focus specifically on its application in football.
What’s It Like Being REDSHIRTED? Should You Do It?
Eligibility Rules for Redshirting
In order to be eligible for redshirting, student-athletes must meet certain criteria set by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
These criteria include:
- The athlete must be enrolled as a full-time student at a four-year college or university.
- The athlete must not have participated in any official games during their first year of enrollment.
- The athlete must have a valid reason for redshirting, such as injury, lack of readiness, or the need for additional physical development.
It is important to note that redshirting is not automatic and requires approval from the coaching staff and compliance department of the respective college or university.
The Benefits of Redshirting
Redshirting can provide several benefits for both the athlete and the team.
Let’s explore some of the key advantages:
Physical Development
College football is a step up in terms of physicality compared to high school football.
Redshirting allows athletes to focus on their physical development, including strength training, conditioning, and improving their overall athleticism.
This additional year can make a significant difference in their ability to compete at the college level.
Skill Development
Redshirting provides student-athletes with an opportunity to refine their skills and learn the intricacies of the game.
They can spend more time practicing, studying film, and receiving individualized coaching, which can greatly enhance their performance when they eventually step onto the field.
Academic Progress
College can be academically demanding, especially for student-athletes who have to balance their athletic commitments with their studies.
Redshirting allows athletes to focus on their academics during their first year, ensuring they are on track to meet the requirements for graduation.
It also provides them with an opportunity to adjust to the demands of college life without the added pressure of competing in games.
Team Cohesion
Redshirting can contribute to building team cohesion and camaraderie.
By spending an additional year with their teammates, redshirted athletes have the opportunity to develop strong relationships and become familiar with the team’s dynamics.
This can lead to better teamwork and chemistry on the field when they eventually become active players.
Examples of Redshirted Players
Several notable football players have benefited from redshirting during their college careers.
Let’s take a look at a few examples:
Peyton Manning
Peyton Manning, one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, redshirted during his freshman year at the University of Tennessee.
This additional year allowed him to develop his skills and become more comfortable with the college game.
Manning went on to have a highly successful college and professional career, winning multiple MVP awards and a Super Bowl.
Deshaun Watson
Deshaun Watson, a standout quarterback for the Clemson Tigers, also redshirted during his freshman year.
This decision allowed him to refine his skills and gain valuable experience.
Watson went on to lead Clemson to a national championship and was later selected in the first round of the NFL draft.
Christian McCaffrey
Christian McCaffrey, a versatile running back, redshirted during his freshman year at Stanford University.
This additional year of development allowed him to become one of the most dynamic players in college football.
McCaffrey went on to break numerous records and was a Heisman Trophy finalist.
Redshirt vs. Grayshirt vs. Blueshirt
In college football, a “grayshirt” and a “blueshirt” are terms used to describe different types of player designations and recruitment strategies.
These terms are somewhat similar to the more well-known “redshirt” designation but have some distinct differences.
Redshirt
A redshirt refers to a player who does not participate in any games during their first year of college, effectively delaying their participation by one season.
Redshirting is primarily done to give players an additional year to develop physically, improve their skills, and adjust to the college environment before they begin competing on the field.
Grayshirt
A grayshirt is a player who delays their enrollment in college until the winter or spring semester following their high school graduation.
This delay can be for various reasons, such as academic concerns, injuries, or limited scholarship availability.
Grayshirting allows a player to join the team as a walk-on during the second semester and still have four full years of eligibility to compete.
Unlike a redshirt, a grayshirt does not participate in any team activities during the fall semester, including practices and games.
They essentially defer their enrollment and delay their scholarship benefits until the following semester.
Blueshirt
A blueshirt is a term used to describe a specific type of scholarship situation.
It typically occurs when a player joins a college football program as a walk-on initially and later receives a scholarship after a specific period, often during their first or second year.
The blueshirt designation allows the player’s scholarship to count towards the following year’s recruiting class rather than the current year, helping the team stay within the NCAA’s annual scholarship limits.
Like grayshirts, blueshirts also do not participate in team activities during their first fall semester.
They join the team in the subsequent semester, retaining four years of eligibility.
Summary
In summary, while redshirting, grayshirting, and blueshirting all involve delaying a player’s participation or scholarship benefits, they differ in the timing of enrollment, scholarship status, and eligibility implications.
Redshirting allows players to develop without using a year of eligibility, grayshirting delays enrollment and scholarship benefits until a later semester, and blueshirting involves a walk-on player eventually receiving a scholarship that counts towards the following year’s recruiting class.
What are the Different Shirts in College Football?
FAQs – Redshirt
1. What does it mean to redshirt in football?
Redshirting in football refers to a practice where a student-athlete sits out for a year without participating in any official games.
The purpose is to provide an additional year of eligibility for the athlete to develop their skills and adjust to the demands of college athletics.
2. Can any football player redshirt?
No, not every football player can redshirt.
In order to be eligible for redshirting, student-athletes must meet certain criteria set by the NCAA, including being enrolled as a full-time student and not participating in any official games during their first year of enrollment.
3. How does redshirting benefit the athlete?
Redshirting provides several benefits for the athlete, including additional time for physical and skill development, the opportunity to focus on academics, and the chance to build team cohesion and camaraderie.
4. Can a redshirted player still practice with the team?
Yes, a redshirted player can still practice with the team.
They are allowed to participate in all team activities, including practices, strength training, and film study.
However, they are not eligible to compete in official games.
5. Can a redshirted player lose their redshirt status?
Yes, a redshirted player can lose their redshirt status if they participate in any official games during their redshirt year.
Once a player steps onto the field for a game, their redshirt status is forfeited.
6. How does redshirting impact the team?
Redshirting can benefit the team by providing an additional year of eligibility for the athlete, allowing them to develop their skills and contribute to the team’s success in the future.
It also helps build team cohesion and chemistry.
7. Can a redshirted player transfer to another school?
Yes, a redshirted player can transfer to another school.
However, it is important to note that transferring may have implications on their eligibility and playing time at the new school.
NCAA rules regarding transfers can be complex, and it is advisable for the player to consult with their coaches and compliance department before making any decisions.
8. Are redshirted players still eligible for scholarships?
Yes, redshirted players are still eligible for scholarships.
The scholarship remains in effect during their redshirt year, and they continue to receive the same benefits as other scholarship athletes.
9. Can a player redshirt multiple times?
No, a player can only redshirt once during their college career.
The purpose of redshirting is to provide an additional year of eligibility, and once that year is utilized, the player cannot redshirt again.
10. How common is redshirting in college football?
Redshirting is relatively common in college football, especially for freshmen players who may need additional time to adjust to the college game.
The decision to redshirt is typically made by the coaching staff based on the player’s readiness and long-term development.
11. Can a redshirted player participate in non-conference games?
Yes, a redshirted player can participate in non-conference games, such as exhibition or preseason games.
However, they cannot participate in any official conference or postseason games without forfeiting their redshirt status.
12. Does redshirting guarantee a starting position in the future?
No, redshirting does not guarantee a starting position in the future.
While it provides additional time for development, the player still needs to compete and earn their spot on the team based on their performance and abilities.
13. Can a player redshirt if they are injured?
Yes, a player can redshirt if they are injured.
Injuries are one of the valid reasons for redshirting, as it allows the athlete to fully recover and regain their physical abilities before returning to competition.
14. Can a redshirted player travel with the team?
Yes, a redshirted player can travel with the team to away games.
This provides them with an opportunity to experience the game-day atmosphere and support their teammates, even though they are not eligible to play in the game.
15. How does redshirting impact a player’s eligibility for the NFL draft?
Redshirting does not have a direct impact on a player’s eligibility for the NFL draft.
The NFL evaluates players based on their performance and potential, regardless of whether they redshirted or not.
However, redshirting can provide players with an additional year of development, which may enhance their draft stock.
16. What’s a grayshirt and blueshirt in college football and how does it compare to redshirt?
Summary
Redshirting in football refers to a practice where a student-athlete sits out for a year without participating in any official games.
It provides an additional year of eligibility for the athlete, allowing them to develop their skills, gain experience, and adjust to the demands of college athletics.
Redshirting can benefit the athlete by providing time for physical and skill development, focusing on academics, and building team cohesion.
It is important to meet the eligibility criteria set by the NCAA and obtain approval from the coaching staff and compliance department.
Notable players like Peyton Manning, Deshaun Watson, and Christian McCaffrey have all benefited from redshirting during their college careers.
