The unique 2021 FCS spring season is here.
As of this writing, only a limited number of teams have opted out of the spring. With each passing day, it gets more likely this unprecedented season is going to happen. So it’s time to start looking at the top returning players.
This series will look at the top returning player at each position in every conference.
*Not included in these rankings:
- Conferences that have opted out as of the publish date
- Players on teams that have opted out as of the publish date
- Players who are in the transfer portal as of the publish date
Big Sky
Luis Aguilar, Northern Arizona
A HERO Sports spring preseason All-American, Aguilar was named to several AA teams in 2019, making all 52 PATs and hitting 22-of-25 field goals with a long of 57 yards.
Big South
Alex Usry, Charleston Southern
The 2019 Big South Special Teams Player of the Year and HERO Sports Sophomore All-American set a program record with 20 field goals made and nailing a 52-yarder. Usry hit three field goals from 50-plus yards out.
CAA
Ethan Ratke, James Madison
Ratke was named to multiple All-American teams in 2019. He already holds JMU career records with 58 made field goals and 319 points scored.
MVFC
Matthew Cook, Northern Iowa
A spring preseason All-MVFC pick, Cook had a terrific freshman season in 2019 when he made 19-of-24 field goals (long of 50 yards) and all 36 PATs.
NEC
Luke Samperi, Bryant
A Second Team All-NEC selection in 2019, Samperi hit 11-of-14 field goals with a long of 50 yards and 20-of-22 PATs.
OVC
Antonio Zita, Tennessee State
Zita was named a 2019 HERO Sports Sophomore All-American. He connected on 20-of-24 field goals and made 30-of-32 PATs.
Patriot
Jeffrey Kordenbrock, Lafayette
Kordenbrock was an All-Patriot League Second Team selection in 2019, making all 24 PATs and converting 11-of-14 field goals.
Pioneer
Brandon Eickert, San Diego
As a freshman in 2019, Eickert earned All-Conference honorable mention honors after making 9-of-10 field goals and 54-of-58 PATs.
SoCon
Mitchell Fineran, Samford
A 2019 Second Team All-SoCon pick, Fineran made 15-of-21 field goals along with 46-of-47 PATs.
Southland
Bailey Giffen, Lamar
Giffen led the conference with 21 field goals made while hitting all 26 PATs. He was named to the All-Southland Second Team.
SWAC
Spencer Corey, Alabama A&M
A First Team All-Conference pick in 2019, Corey made 49-of-50 PATs and nailed five field goals.
NEXT: Spring Preseason Top 25
NEXT: Spring Preseason All-American Team
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