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.
4: Malik Grant, RB (Sr.) — Sacred Heart
Grant’s play last fall was pivotal in Sacred Heart returning to the playoffs for the second season in a row. An early injury to multi-time All-American Julius Chestnut raised doubts about if the Pioneers could win the NEC again. But Grant stepped up and provided an All-American season of his own.
In 2019 and the 2021 spring season, Grant had a combined 46 carries for 161 yards in six games. Last fall, he was looked at to handle the load following Chestnut’s injury. He did just that.
The 5-foot-9, 200-pounder made play after play. He totaled 240 rushes for 1,347 yards and nine touchdowns, plus 10 catches for 130 yards and two scores. The 1,347 yards ranked No. 4 in the FCS. Grant runs with both toughness and elusiveness, and he was consistent throughout the season. He had six games of 100 rushing yards or more as he was named on the HERO Sports All-American Third Team.
Grant has picked up several preseason All-American accolades this summer, including HERO Sports Second Team, The Bluebloods First Team, and Stats Perform Second Team. He is ranked our No. 5 returning FCS offensive back.
