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.
38: Damien Dawson, FB (Sr.) — Southeastern Louisiana
*Dawson is wearing No. 0 this fall
The SLU offense has had plenty of star power in the last couple of seasons, whether it be quarterbacks Chason Virgil and Cole Kelley or wide receiver CJ Turner.
But Dawson has done a lot of the important dirty work as a four-year starter at fullback. From 2017 to the spring of 2021, he has caught just nine passes for 112 yards and one touchdown. Dawson has been a crucial part of SLU’s offense, though, whether it be lead blocking or pass protection.
The Lions had the No. 5 scoring offense in 2020-21, averaging 39.6 points per game. They ranked No. 12 in 2019 with 36.6 PPG.
Dawson’s contributions were recognized in the spring with a spot on the All-Southland Conference Third Team. He enters this fall on the Preseason All-Conference Second Team at the TE/HB spot.
