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.
24: Qua Brown, DB (Sr.) — Southern Illinois
*Brown is wearing No. 7 this season.
Jeremy Chinn was an All-American safety for the SIU defense in 2019. He finished with 71 tackles and went on to be selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Leading the Salukis in tackles that season, though, was fellow safety Qua Brown.
Brown totaled 105 tackles, 74 solo, one interception, and 12 passes defended in 2019. He was named to the All-MVFC Second Team as he ranked No. 5 in the FCS and No. 1 in the Valley with 6.3 solo tackles per game.
The 5-foot-11, 206-pound Florida native followed that up with another standout season in 2020-21. In seven games, Brown had 44 tackles, three passes defended, and an FCS-leading four forced fumbles.
He was named to the All-Conference First Team and earned All-American Second Team honors from Stats Perform and the AP.
Brown is back for a sixth season this fall as the Salukis face high expectations. HERO Sports ranks Brown the sixth-best returning defensive back in the FCS.
