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.
61: Jacob Vance, OL (Sr.) — Murray State
The Murray State offensive line made drastic improvements in the spring season as part of a breakout year that saw a 5-0 start. The Racers went from averaging 2.7 sacks allowed per game over the past five seasons to just 1.0.
Vance has been a solid part of that offensive line for years, starting three games in 2017, 10 games in 2018, and 11 games in 2019. In his fourth year as a starter in the spring, the 6-foot-4, 328-pound tackle was named to the All-OVC First Team.
“I think there are three big things that set me apart from other offensive linemen,” Vance told NFL Draft Diamonds. “Those are my preparation, technique and effort. Effort has always been non-negotiable for me since I was a kid no matter what sport I played and if you asked any one of my collegiate coaches I’m confident none of them would say that I don’t play with tremendous effort on every snap.”
Murray State dropped its final two games in the spring to finish 5-2. Still, the 5-0 start was a big accomplishment for the program that last had a winning season in 2011. The Racers will be a factor in the OVC standings this fall along with Austin Peay and SEMO as Jacksonville State departs for the ASUN Conference.
