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.
94: Jevon Leon, DL (Jr.) — Sam Houston
Leon has been an integral part of Sam Houston’s defensive line, helping the Bearkats own a strong rushing defense over the last few seasons.
In three years, the six-foot-three, 255-pound Houston native is a three-time All-Conference selection and a two-time All-American. During that time, SHSU had the No. 1 rushing defense in 2019 (69.9 YPG), No. 11 in the 2021 spring en route to an FCS national title (94.9 YPG), and No. 4 last season (85.2 YPG).
A two-star recruit with nine FCS offers and two FBS offers according to 247Sports, Leon signing with the Bearkats led to a splashy freshman season in 2019. He totaled 38 tackles, 16 TFLs, and 8.5 sacks. Leon earned HERO Sports Freshman All-American honors and was named to the All-Southland Conference Third Team.
During SHSU’s 10-0 spring season, Leon was an AP Second Team All-American, a HERO Sports Sophomore All-American, and an All-Southland First Team selection. He recorded 22 tackles, six TFLs, four sacks, and three quarterback hurries.
An All-WAC Second Team selection last season, Leon had 31 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, and three QB hurries.
While Leon’s statistical numbers went down since 2019, he was also a part of a deep defensive line with multiple impact players. Kamren Washington was the WAC’s Freshman of the Year in the fall, plus Jahari Kay, Trace Mascorro, and Joseph Wallace were named on the All-Conference First Team. Those last three were seniors and are no longer on the roster. And Washington transferred to Memphis.
Expect Leon to have a big season similar to 2019 as he’ll be needed to play at an All-American level following the losses on the d-line. The Bearkats are transitioning to join the FBS in 2023, but they will be a factor in the 2022 WAC standings.
