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
70: Tylan Grable, OL (Jr.) — Jacksonville State
Grable arrived at JSU in 2018 as a 6-foot-7, 240-pound tight end that played quarterback in high school. He threw for a combined 5,000 yards during his sophomore and junior seasons at Wilkinson County High School in Georgia before an injury sidelined him for his senior year.
Recruited as an athlete, Grable was listed as a tight end as he redshirted his first year on campus. In 2019, Grable was an extension of the o-line and saw action as a tight end and offensive lineman.
He then made the full-time switch to the offensive line and earned the starting left tackle job for the spring season. Now up to 290 pounds, Grable was spectacular as he graded out at 88 percent with 32 knockdowns. He was named to the All-OVC First Team, earned Second Team All-American honors from Stats Perform and the AFCA, and was a HERO Sports Sophomore All-American.
With his 6-foot-7 frame, Grable has more room to put on weight and maintain his athleticism. He was also an all-region basketball player in high school along with being a star quarterback. If he continues to work on his craft as an o-lineman, the raw talent and size are there to be a future NFL Draft pick.