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.
82: Ryan Miller, TE (Sr.) — Furman
Miller is a top returning tight end in 2022 and eyes a third straight All-American season. The 6-foot-2, 221-pounder has a knack for getting open and making big plays after the catch.
A two-star recruit out of Jackson, Tennessee, he saw solid playing time in 2018, catching 10 passes for 144 yards. He took on a bigger role in 2019, recording 11 catches for 237 yards and three TDs.
The 2021 spring season was when Miller established himself as one of the most dangerous TE targets in the FCS.
In the spring, he caught 15 passes for 254 yards and six TDs in only seven games.
Miller earned All-SoCon honors from the media (First Team) and from the coaches (Second Team). He was named an All-American by the Associated Press (First Team) and Stats Perform (Second Team).
Last fall was a fabulous season for Miller. He led the Paladins with 43 catches, 749 receiving yards, and seven receiving TDs. His 17.42 yards per catch were the second-most for an FCS TE behind Bethune-Cookman’s Kemari Averett (18.06).
Miller was named on the All-Conference First Team by the media and coaches. And he garnered two more All-American accolades with Third Team nods from the AP and Stats Perform.
Miller is getting NFL prospect buzz entering his senior season. His home-run abilities, athleticism, and ability to line up as a big WR or a smaller TE to create matchup problems have scouts intrigued. Miller has recorded receptions of 87, 58, 52, 73, and 50 yards.
Furman looks to push for a playoff bid this year after going 6-5 overall and 4-4 in the SoCon last season. Miller should put up big numbers again with the emergence of quarterback Jace Wilson, who took over as QB1 and started six games in his freshman season, going 4-2 and throwing for 1,020 yards, six TDs, and three interceptions. Miller scored five of his seven TDs in the final six games.
