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
79: Raymond Gillespie, OL (Sr.) — James Madison
Gillespie will be a four-year starter at left tackle when his JMU career wraps up at the end of the 2021 season, which looks like it’ll be mid-December or early January.
The 6-foot-5, 297-pounder has held down his spot since 2018 when he started nine games. Gillespie started another 13 games at left tackle in 2019. In the spring season, he earned his first postseason honors — HERO Sports All-American, AP Second Team All-American, and First Team All-CAA.
JMU finished sixth in the FCS in rushing with 232.6 yards per game and was just inside the top 40 with two sacks allowed per game.
The Dukes get 2020-21 preseason All-American right tackle Liam Fornadel back from a shoulder injury, giving them one of the better offensive lines in the FCS, along with a deep stable of running backs.
