Why do sports commentators need to keep reminding us that X football player is a "true freshman"?

[Initech]

They only need to remind us a couple of times, but it seems with every bowl game that's been on they beat you over the head and constantly remind you that so and so is a "true freshman". They like almost beat you over the head with that term anymore. WTF?

[oberliner]

1. As opposed to a red shirt

I guess it is kind of amazing to see someone just out of high school performing at such a high level already.

[rurallib]

2. Man, they got a hell of a lot of empty time to fill with inane chatter

Always amazes me with the way they can fill that empty airtime.
There is just so much inane chatter especially in these {corporate} bowl games.
Most likely they are probably glad someone was listening close enough to give a crap about what they say.

[Iggo]

3. I suppose it's the same reason they need to keep telling us...

...they're football players, and it's a football team, and that they play the game of football.

They regurgitate clichés to pad their sentences. Listen to Mark Schlereth for an excellent example of this. For a newer guy on the scene, see Nate Burleson. Same shit.

[Aristus]

4. I joked years ago about the color commentary staff of the sports channels.

It's like they realized years ago that your color commentary won't have any street cred unless you have a Southerner on staff.

"Jew see hee-im kitch 'at bawl?" equals street cred.

[mexit]

5. OK, I'm a college professor so I'll say it:

Solve for X

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

6. "Why?"

I axis question because my dentist says I have calculus.

[pinboy3niner]

7. Because it's how you find the molar of the story. nt

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

8. Ain't that the tooth. nt

[lastlib]

10. There you go again--gumming up another thread......

[pinboy3niner]

12. Sorry I failed to be more incisorive

[malthaussen]

9. I'd say the color commentary has ruined the game for me...

... but that would only be a partial truth, as the commercials and hype have also contributed to ruin the game for me. I no longer watch.

-- Mal

[lastlib]

11. I think they get paid by the cliche........

They need to learn to speak. English, at least.