Welcome to the 2022 FCS Jersey Countdown. Leading up to the start of weekly college football odds and Week 0 games on Aug. 27, HERO Sports will 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 last season’s rosters.
The 99-0 countdown central page can be found here.
Note: Jersey numbers are based on 2021 rosters.
45: Aubrey Miller Jr., LB (Sr.) — Jackson State
Jackson State has loaded its roster with eye-opening talent through its recent recruiting classes and the transfer portal under head coach Deion Sanders. One of several P5 transfers the Tigers have brought in was Aubrey Miller Jr. before the 2021 spring season.
Miller was a four-star recruit by 247Sports and the No. 13 outside linebacker in the 2017 recruiting class. After signing with Missouri, he saw action right away as a true freshman. But after a few seasons of contributing as a special teams player and backup linebacker, plus being slowed down by injuries, he decided to transfer to JSU.
The 6-foot-2, 225-pounder had an immediate impact during the spring season, posting 51 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, and 1.5 sacks in five games. Miller ranked second in the conference in total tackles behind teammate Keonte Hampton’s 64 as both were named to the All-SWAC First Team.
Last fall was another First Team All-Conference season for Miller. He was a big part of JSU’s 11-2 overall record and an improved defense from the spring, going from 26.0 points allowed per game to ranking No. 4 in the FCS with 14.85 points allowed per game.
Miller led the SWAC with 109 total tackles. He also recorded 11.5 TFLs, 6.5 sacks, and three passes defended. One of his standout performances was a 16-tackle and two-TFL performance against FBS ULM.
JSU is going to have an incredibly talented defense in 2022, and Miller will be a leader for that unit.
