Welcome to the 2023 FCS Jersey Countdown.
Leading up to Week 0 games on Aug. 26, HERO Sports will name the best returning FCS player by jersey number, 99-0. Because team rosters are updated at different times 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 2022 rosters
62: Jabari Brooks, OL (Sr.) — Samford
Brooks is part of a strong cast of returning starters for a Samford offense that scored 32.8 points per game (No. 27 in the FCS) and threw for 304.4 yards per game (No. 6). Three starting offensive linemen are back along with Samford’s No. 1 and No. 3 wide receivers, its leading rusher, and arguably the top returning quarterback in the FCS Michael Hiers.
Brooks’ standout play on the o-line for the last two years has been honored by the SoCon in back-to-back seasons. He was named on the 2021 All-Freshman Team after playing in all 11 games and starting the final seven at left guard.
He made the move to center last fall. Brooks provided protection for Hiers’ All-American season, owning a pass-blocking grade of 78.3 on PFF. The 6-foot-3, 342-pounder earned Second Team All-Conference accolades.
Samford has high expectations following an 11-2 season with a trip to the quarterfinals. The Bulldogs are No. 8 in HERO Sports’ FCS Preseason Top 25.
