Welcome to the 2020 FCS Jersey Countdown.
Throughout the May-September months, HERO Sports is going to name the best returning FCS player by jersey number, 99-1. Due to rosters being updated at different times for teams across the country and to keep things consistent, jersey numbers are based on the 2019 season.
The full countdown can be found here.
*Note: Jersey numbers are based on 2019 rosters.
3: Eric Barriere, QB (Sr.) — Eastern Washington
When Gage Gubrud suffered a season-ending injury midway through the 2018 season, EWU’s chances of competing for a national title were thought to be significantly lower.
Stepping in for Gubrud was Barriere, a highly-touted recruit, but only a sophomore.
Barriere not only took over the starting role just fine, he made EWU’s offense even more difficult to defend with his ability to make plays with his arm and legs. He went 8-2 as a starter, including a seven-game winning streak all the way to the national championship game where the Eagles lost to NDSU.
The 6-foot, 200-pound California native finished 2018 with 2,450 yards passing (190-of-311), 24 touchdowns and nine interceptions while adding 613 yards rushing and eight TDs.
Barriere lit it up last year as well, going 258-of-438 passing for 3,712 yards, 31 TDs and four interceptions. He also ran for 558 yards and eight scores. He finished fifth in the Walter Payton Award voting and earned HERO Sports Third Team All-American honors.
Barriere was second in the FCS in total offense (355.8 yards per game), third in passing (309.3 YPG) and fourth in points responsible for (20.2 PPG).
He enters this season with a streak of 239 passes without an interception. Barriere is a HERO Sports Preseason Second Team All-American.
