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.
95: Joseph Wallace, DL (Sr.) — Sam Houston State
The SHSU defense made drastic improvements in 2019. And a big part of it was because of the standouts on the defensive line. Manning the middle of that unit was Joseph Wallace at 6-foot-1 and 315 pounds.
Wallace arrived at SHSU after starting seven games for Texas Tech in 2018. The former three-star recruit made an immediate impact for the Bearkats and started all 12 games.
He finished with 21 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, four sacks and three forced fumbles as he was honored on the All-Southland Conference Second Team. Wallace was vital in plugging up the middle of the defense against the run. SHSU ended 2019 as the No. 1 FCS team in rushing defense, allowing just 69.9 yards per game.
Wallace is one of three returning All-Conference defensive linemen for the Bearkats. Expect another big year for the SHSU defense in 2020.
