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.
60: Mason McCormick, OL (So.) — South Dakota State
The Jackrabbits had a stellar rushing attack in the spring en route to the national championship game. The offensive line played like the best unit in the FCS, and with the two-headed monster of running backs Pierre Strong Jr. and Isaiah Davis, the Jacks had the seventh-ranked rushing offense (231.7 YPG).
At left guard was McCormick, arguably the top overall big man for SDSU. McCormick, who is 6-foot-4 and 310 pounds, was named a HERO Sports Sophomore All-American along with right tackle Garret Greenfield. He was also named to the HERO Sports All-FCS team and added All-MVFC Second Team honors.
All five starters up front return this fall.
That’s a scary thought for defenses with Strong and Davis running behind that line. But with a new starting QB due to Mark Gronowski’s knee injury, teams will sell out to stop the run. The SDSU o-line will be leaned on to create holes and running lanes as the Jacks eye a return to Frisco.
