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.
29: Jake Chisholm, RB (Sr.) — Dayton
Chisholm has made magic happen with the ball in his hands throughout his football career.
Going back to Ryle High School in Union, Kentucky, Chisholm totaled 4,763 career rushing yards, 1,100 receiving yards, and 75 touchdowns. He was also a standout in track, breaking the school record in the 100-meter dash.
Chisholm continued to make big plays in college with a breakout sophomore year in 2019. He had 1,129 rushing yards and eight TDs on 153 carries, recorded 21 receptions for 230 yards and three scores, and returned 29 kickoffs for 684 yards and one TD. The 5-foot-9, 191-pounder led the FCS with 204.3 all-purpose yards per game, which was 30 yards more per game than Tennessee State’s Chris Rowland, who ranked No. 2. His 7.4 yards a carry was No. 2 in the FCS. Chisholm was named to the All-Pioneer Football League First Team and a HERO Sports Sophomore All-American.
After Dayton opted out of the 2020-21 season, Chisholm had another fantastic year last fall.
A HERO Sports Third Team All-American at the all-purpose spot, Chisholm rushed 235 times for 1,033 yards and 14 TDs, caught 30 passes for 361 yards and five TDs, and returned 15 kickoffs for 300 yards.
Chisholm finished second in the FCS with 163.9 all-purpose yards per game. He led the subdivision in rushing attempts per game (23.5) and touchdowns per game (1.8).
Now up to 4,269 career all-purpose yards, Chisholm is a graduate student and enters his second straight season as a team co-captain.