What it is

A redshirt is a college athlete who sits out a season of play to keep a year of eligibility. He can still practice with the team.

In a game

Players are often redshirted in their first year, to grow stronger and learn the system. After that, they still have four years to play.

More detail

The name comes from the red jersey that practice players wore. Injured players can also take a medical redshirt.