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.
27: Jacob Dobbs, LB (Sr.) — Holy Cross
Dobbs is a top-tier linebacker in the FCS with a long and successful career. The 6-foot, 232-pounder is a force in the middle of a strong Holy Cross defense that ranked No. 14 in FCS scoring defense last season (18.5 points allowed per game).
A two-star recruit by 247Sports, Dobbs became an immediate leader for the Crusaders’ defense as a freshman in 2019. He led the team with 93 tackles, seven sacks, and 12 tackles for loss while adding three interceptions and three fumble recoveries. Dobbs was named to the All-Patriot League Second Team and earned HERO Sports Freshman All-American honors.
A HERO Sports Sophomore All-American and First Team All-Conference selection in the spring, Dobbs put up 41 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, and one sack in four games.
Last fall was another dominant showing for Dobbs. He totaled 137 tackles (75 solo), 17.5 TFLs, 9.5 sacks, six quarterback hurries, and three pass breakups in 13 games. The 137 tackles were the fourth most in the FCS. Dobbs finished 10th in voting for the Buck Buchanan Award while garnering First Team All-Conference honors and All-American accolades from HERO Sports, Stats Perform, Phil Steele, and the AFCA.
Holy Cross’ physical defense should shine again this fall. The unit is highlighted by its linebackers with Liam Anderson ranked No. 16 and Dobbs ranked No. 4 in our Top 25 returning FCS linebackers.
Anderson and Dobbs are also featured on Josh Buchanan’s 2023 Top 100 Small School Prospects list.
