Yeah, I see what your saying, but no. At least I hope this new character has a name. Generic names for characters is a put off, if I want GB lore I want solids, not variables to pet fan’s egos.
It’s pretty much a case of “Damned if I don’t!, Damned if I do!”, because whatever name they could come up with to replace “Rookie” would probably generate some sort of unnecessary “I think that name is stupid!” hoopla. IMHO, who really cares what his name is, were not going to see a whole lot of his name patch anyway! So everytime you play…just think up a name (maybe even use your own), start bustin! and be happy! 
I’m okay with the Ryan French model as the rookie. Doesn’t really bother me, but it would be cool to make your own character. I remember seeing my brother playing this new boxing game in which you supply a picture of yourself and it translates it over into the character in the game. Looked pretty darn close to the real person, too…