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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- FCS Home
- The Best Player in FCS Who Wears Each Number, 1-99
- Preseason Top 25 Poll
- Preseason All-American Teams
- Team By Team & Conference Previews
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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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3: Eric Barriere, QB (Jr.) — Eastern Washington
The Eagles had high expectations with a huge senior class last year. When All-American quarterback Gage Gubrud suffered a season-ending injury in late September, though, there was some uncertainty in the air. But in stepped sophomore Eric Barriere and the EWU offense didn't miss a beat outside of an early loss at Weber State.
In fact, the Eagles got even more explosive when Barriere settled in. That's saying something when you replace a multi-time Walter Payton Award finalist.
RELATED: 2019 EWU Season Preview
Barriere went 8-2 as the starter, leading EWU to the national title game. The California native was ninth in the FCS with 198 total points responsible for and 13th in passing efficiency (146.9). Barriere totaled 2,450 yards passing (190-311) with 24 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Not only does he have the arm talent, but Barriere is the fastest guy on the field when he takes off with the ball. He rushed for 613 yards and eight scores last year off of 99 attempts. The 6-foot, 200-pounder was named a HERO Sports Sophomore All-American.
He certainly has earned the respect of his teammates as he was named a 2019 team captain. Barriere has also been named on our Preseason All-American First Team.
After facing an early season blow in loss of veteran QB Gage Gubrud, the Eagles bounced back with Eric Barriere under center! @EWUFootball is now ???? win away from a #FCSChampionship pic.twitter.com/zF43S1R2QO
— FCS Football (@NCAA_FCS) January 5, 2019
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