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
81: Antwane Wells Jr., WR (R-Fr.) — James Madison
Wells will wear No. 7 this fall
JMU’s offense had a slow start to the spring season, especially in the passing game with its top three pass-catchers and NFL Draft pick quarterback gone from the 2019 squad. The Dukes started to get rolling in Game 4 with some help from Wells.
After catching a combined five passes for 61 yards and two touchdowns in the first three games, the freshman exploded and caught 10 passes for 178 yards in the final two games of the regular season.
Wells continued to emerge as a dynamic playmaker in the playoffs.
He had four catches for 132 yards and a TD against VMI, seven receptions for 143 yards and two TDs against North Dakota, and seven catches for 89 yards and another score against Sam Houston.
Total, the 6-foot-1 and 200-pounder hauled in 33 catches for 603 yards and six touchdowns in eight games. Wells was named a HERO Sports Freshman All-American.
With All-American running back Percy Agyei-Obese leading a loaded running back room, and All-American offensive linemen Raymond Gillespie and Liam Fornadel returning, the Dukes will have one of the better rushing attacks in the FCS. It’s a pick your poison decision for defenses as Wells proved (as just a freshman) that he’ll win a majority of his one-on-one battles.
JMU also has starting QB Cole Johnson coming back for his sixth season. The Dukes can do some damage offensively this fall.
