Welcome to the 2022 FCS Jersey Countdown. Leading up to 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.
13: Beau Kelly, WR (Sr.) — Portland State
Portland State is going to have a special group of wide receivers this season. It will be a luxury for who gets the nod as the new starting quarterback, which won’t be an easy task replacing standout Davis Alexander.
Beau Kelly, Nate Bennett, Darien Chase, and Mataio Talalemotu were productive targets last season as the Vikings ranked No. 14 in FCS passing offense (286.7 yards per game). All four return in 2022, plus Portland State gets 2019 All-Conference WR Emmanuel Daigbe back after he missed last season with a groin injury.
Kelly led the Vikings last year and the Big Sky Conference during the regular season in all of the major receiving categories: catches (69), touchdowns (10), and yards (981). He also returned eight punts for 115 yards and completed 2-of-2 passes for 56 yards. Kelly was named to the All-Conference Second Team, surely some motivation for this season to get more respect.
The 5-foot-9, 165-pounder has been a big-play threat from the slot for multiple seasons now. He got valuable experience as a freshman in 2018, catching 10 passes for 150 yards. Kelly’s production increased in 2019 with 31 receptions for 442 yards and three TDs.
The Vikings only scheduled one game during the 2021 spring at Montana.
Last fall, signs were early and evident that Kelly was ready for a big season. Against Portland State’s two FBS opponents to open the year, he had six catches for 132 yards and a TD at Hawaii, and 10 catches for 152 yards and a score at Washington State. He finished the season with five games over 100 yards receiving.
The Vikings went 5-6 overall and 4-4 in the Big Sky with three of those losses by two scores or less. With a veteran squad minus the QB position, they look to play spoiler in 2022. Kelly will be a major part of that success as one of the top returning WRs in the conference and the FCS.
