Welcome to the 2019 FCS Kickoff Jersey Countdown.
The regular season begins Saturday, Aug. 24 with Samford vs. Youngstown State in the Guardian Credit Union FCS Kickoff along with Villanova playing at Colgate.
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HERO Sports is going to count down each day by highlighting the best player in the FCS who wears the jersey number equal to the number of days until kickoff. You can find the running list of top players here.
*Note: Jersey numbers are from the 2018 season.
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91: Derrek Tuszka, DL (Sr.) — North Dakota State
Tuszka showed the nation what he was capable of as a sophomore two seasons ago in the national championship game against James Madison. He played a critical part in NDSU's 17-13 win with his six solo tackles, two tackles for loss, two sacks and one quarterback hurry.
Tuszka took that play into last season, where he racked up 48 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks and seven QB hurries. The 6-foot-5, 243-pound South Dakota native earned All-MVFC Honorable Mention honors.
Keep in mind the Bison's loaded defensive end room resulted in a rotation of six players and Tuszka's snaps were limited. With half of those players seniors last year, Tuszka's snap count may increase some this season. Expect him to establish himself as one of the top defensive ends in the FCS this year.
Back-to-back huge plays by Derrek Tuszka! He throws the ballcarrier for a 6-yard TFL, then comes back with a sack on the next play. Warner, STAND UP! pic.twitter.com/JRSE4BjbHf
— NDSU Football (@NDSUfootball) November 3, 2018
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