Welcome to the 2020 FCS Jersey Countdown.
Throughout the May-August months, HERO Sports is going to name the best returning FCS player by jersey number, 99-1. Due to rosters being updated at different times for teams across the country and to keep things consistent, jersey numbers are based on the 2019 season.
The full 99-1 countdown/schedule can be found here.
*Note: Jersey numbers are based on 2019 rosters.
99: Malik Hamm, DL (Jr.) — Lafayette
Hamm kicks off the Jersey Countdown at No. 99 for the second year in a row.
Now a junior, the 6-foot-3 and 260-pounder has already had an illustrious career for the Leopards. Hamm earned Patriot League Rookie of the Year, All-Conference Second Team and HERO Sports Freshman All-American honors in 2018. Last year, he was named the Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year, selected to the All-Conference First Team and was on our All-American sophomore team.
In his first two seasons, Hamm has a combined 101 tackles, 27 tackles for loss and 16.5 sacks.
In each of the final seven games of the 2019 season, Hamm had at least one sack and one TFL.
Hamm has put on 20 pounds since arriving on campus, aiding in his ability to play the run along with getting home in his pass rush. He certainly hasn’t lost any of his explosiveness or athleticism with the added weight as he’s quickly become the Patriot League’s most feared defensive player.
Recently honored with the team’s Hugh L. “Stoney” Jones ’27 Award given every year since 1971 to the team’s most valuable player, Hamm looks to continue working his way toward being one of the best at his position in the FCS.
