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.
19: Xavier Smith, WR (Sr.) — Florida A&M
It’s been nearly two years since we’ve seen Smith in action after FAMU decided not to play any games in 2020-21 due to COVID. But that hasn’t prevented Smith from receiving plenty of 2021 preseason attention.
He was named a Stats Perform Preseason Third Team All-American and is a HERO Sports Preseason Second Team All-American. We also ranked Smith the No. 6 returning FCS wide receiver.
The 5-foot-10, 170-pounder is coming off of a huge 2019 season. Smith was a dynamic weapon in FAMU’s 9-2 season, catching 77 passes for 1,159 yards and 11 touchdowns. His 105.4 receiving yards per game ranked fifth in the FCS.
Smith was named to the All-MEAC First Team and earned HERO Sports Sophomore All-American honors.
“The whole world knows about Xavier Smith already,” FAMU WRs coach Jelani Berassa said. “He’s already proven his ability to be a playmaker and change games.”
