It depends on if the player is a "red shirt" that means he can play 'X' amount of downs/games and still have a year of eligability left. For example a freshman can play ___ downs/games and then next year still be considered a frshman....much like a pro baseball player can play 'X' amount of innings without being considered a rookie.....ie Cla Bucholz who pitched a no hitter last year vs the Baltimore is still considered a rookie this year as is Jacoby Elsberry