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.
16: Taylor Grimes, WR (Sr.) — Incarnate Word
Grimes began his career at Illinois State before transferring to UIW for the 2021 fall season. The Texas native became a major part of UIW’s offense that ranked No. 5 in FCS passing (360 yards per game) and No. 4 in scoring (39.5 points per game).
The 5-foot-11, 190-pounder was a menace to cover. His combination of route-running, speed, and making tough catches resulted in Grimes becoming a top-tier receiver in the FCS. Grimes ranked No. 4 with 7.2 receptions per game (87 in 12 games), No. 9 with 95.4 receiving yards per game (1,145 yards total), and tied for the subdivision lead with 15 touchdown catches.
Grimes was named the Southland Conference Newcomer of the Year and was on the All-Conference First Team. He also earned HERO Sports Second Team All-American honors.
The Cardinals finished 10-3 and 7-1 in the Southland last fall, beating SFA 35-28 in OT in the first round of the playoffs before losing 49-42 at defending national champs and No. 1 seed Sam Houston. This offseason, head coach Eric Morris left to be Washington State’s offensive coordinator, and standout quarterback Cameron Ward also went to Washington State through the transfer portal. UIW was expected to join the WAC this summer until deciding late to remain in the Southland, drawing headlines across the country. All of that is now in the rearview as the action on the field begins and the Cardinals look to return to the playoffs.
UIW hired G.J. Kinne, who was the UCF co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. It also went to the transfer portal and brought in QB Lindsey Scott Jr. from Southland foe Nicholls. In the 2021 spring and fall seasons, Scott combined for 3,764 yards passing, 34 touchdowns, and 18 interceptions while rushing for 1,547 yards and 15 scores.
He will have a great target in 2022 to put up big numbers again. Grimes is ranked HERO Sports’ No. 3 returning FCS wide receiver and is a preseason First Team All-American.
