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.
6: Zerrick Cooper, QB (Sr.) — Jacksonville State
“When you hold your first practice and see him on the field, you’re going to wonder if I’m crazy for letting him leave.”
That’s what Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney told Jacksonville State head coach John Grass when Zerrick Cooper decided to transfer to JSU.
Cooper was a 4-star recruit out of high school and was ranked the seventh-best quarterback in the country by 247. He redshirted at Clemson in 2016 and served as the backup in 2017.
Looking to find his best opportunity to get on the field, Cooper transferred and became a Gamecock in 2018.
In his first season, the 6-foot-4 and 225-pounder showed off his arm talent. Cooper earned First Team All-Ohio Valley Conference honors and was named a HERO Sports Sophomore All-American after going 251-of-417 passing for 3,416 yards, 32 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
Last year, Cooper threw for 3,404 yards (260-of-439), 28 TDs and 12 INT, earning All-Conference Second Team honors.
While Cooper has had some consistency problems, the throws he is able to make has caught the eye of NFL scouts. He’s viewed as the second-best FCS QB prospect behind Trey Lance. In August, Cooper was named to the Reese’s Senior Bowl 2021 Top 250 List.
