Welcome to the 2022 FCS Jersey Countdown.
Leading up to Week 0 games on Aug. 27, HERO Sports will 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 last season’s rosters.
The 99-0 countdown central page can be found here.
Note: Jersey numbers are based on 2021 rosters.
93: Jermaine McDaniel, DL (Sr.) — North Carolina A&T
McDaniel was a big addition to an already strong NC A&T defense in 2019. The App State transfer helped the Aggies to the No. 18 FCS scoring defense (20.8 PPG) and a Celebration Bowl win.
He tallied 40 tackles, 12 TFLs, 7.5 sacks, and five quarterback hurries in that 2019 season, earning All-MEAC Second Team honors.
The 6-foot-3, 240-pound DE had high expectations going into his second season in 2020 and was named a preseason HERO Sports All-American. However, the season got canceled due to COVID, and the MEAC did not play in the spring.
The 2021 fall season didn’t go to plan either for McDaniel. In NC A&T’s debut season as Big South members, McDaniel appeared in only five games as he battled different ailments. He played in contests from Sept. 25 to Oct. 23, racking up 11 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, four sacks, and five QB hurries. He was on pace for another productive season if not for the limited reps.
But McDaniel is back for his sixth year of college football (his fifth season due to the 2020 cancellation). He’s looking to remind the FCS that he is one of the top edge players in the subdivision. The talent is there for the former three-star recruit with 11 FCS offers and five FBS offers. If he can stay healthy, keep an eye on McDaniel as someone who can garner multiple postseason accolades.
