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
90: Devonnsha Maxwell, DL (Jr.) — Chattanooga
In Maxwell’s first game versus an FBS opponent, he totaled five tackles, four solo, one sack, and one tackle for loss against South Carolina to end the 2018 season. While the result was a 49-9 loss for the Mocs, it put a final stamp of approval on a breakout season for the young star. Named a HERO Sports Freshman All-American, Maxwell tallied 32 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, and 5.5 sacks.
His progression continued into the next season as he earned HERO Sports Sophomore All-American and Second Team All-SoCon honors, racking up 46 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and seven sacks.
Maxwell played just four games in 2020-21 after Chattanooga opted out in the middle of the spring season. The 6-foot-2 and 295-pounder was still highly productive, recording 19 tackles, seven TFLs, five sacks, and two forced fumbles. He was named on the All-Conference First Team again and was named an AFCA Second Team All-American.
NFL scouts no doubt have Maxwell on their radar. He’s about 25 pounds heavier now than he was when he played South Carolina and is still showing great athleticism. Maxwell looks to prove he’s one of the most dominant defensive linemen in the FCS this fall with a full slate of games. He’ll also get a chance to showcase his talent against another SEC opponent when the Mocs face Kentucky on Sept. 18.
