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.
53: AJ Farris, OL (Sr.) — Monmouth
It took Farris some time to become a full-time starter on the Monmouth offensive line. But when he did, he immediately became an integral part of a dynamic rushing attack.
Farris started every game at center in 2019, his fourth year on campus. The 6-foot-2, 300-pounder helped pave the way for the top rusher in the FCS Pete Guerriero (1,995 yards). Farris was named to the All-Big South First Team and earned Third Team All-American honors from Stats Perform and the AP.
Even with Guerriero gone, the ground game didn’t take a step back in the spring. Farris and the offensive line opened holes for the Big South’s Offensive Player of the Year in running back Juwon Farri. Farris was named to the All-Conference First Team again along with Second Team All-American honors from STATS Perform.
The respect for Farris kept coming when he was named the FCS Rimington Trophy Award winner, which is given to the top center in the subdivision.
“This is a terrific honor for AJ as it recognizes his hard work as well as his dedication toward becoming an outstanding offensive lineman,” Monmouth head coach Kevin Callahan said about the Rimington Trophy Award. “AJ has performed at a high level for us and we look forward to another successful season for him in 2021.”
