Welcome to the 2021 FCS Jersey Countdown.
Leading up to Week 0 games on Aug. 28, HERO Sports is going to name the best returning FCS player by jersey number, 99-0. Due to rosters being updated at different times for teams across the country and to keep things consistent, jersey numbers are based on the 2020 fall-2021 spring season.
The 99-0 countdown central page can be found here.
Note: Jersey numbers are based on 2020 fall-2021 spring rosters
65: Tristen Taylor, OL (Sr.) — Eastern Washington
When his EWU career is done at the end of the 2021 season, Taylor will have played seven seasons and will likely be a five-time all-conference selection. Let me repeat that … Seven seasons. Five-time all-conference.
How does that happen? Let’s break it down.
A two-star recruit out of California, Taylor arrived on campus and redshirted in 2015.
In 2016, he earned his first all-conference honor as an honorable mention, starting all 14 games at left tackle. In 2017, Taylor was named All-Big Sky honorable mention again with 11 starts at left guard and left tackle. The next season, Taylor played in three games before suffering a season-ending injury.
He came back stronger in 2019, starting all 12 games at left tackle and elevating himself to the All-Conference Second Team.
Due to the injury in 2018, Taylor was granted a sixth year of eligibility for 2020. And because of COVID, the 2020-21 season was a free year of eligibility.
After starting all seven games during the spring, Taylor reached the All-Big Sky First Team and was recognized on the American Football Coaches Association and Phil Steele’s All-American First Team.
With 47 career starts, Taylor is coming back for his seventh season this fall. The 6-foot-6, 320-pounder may need a bigger trophy case.
