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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25: James Robinson, RB (Sr.) — Illinois State
Robinson is the best running back in the FCS and the No. 1 pro prospect in the subdivision.
The 5-foot-10, 220-pounder put himself on the map as a name to know in 2017, being named to HERO Sports' Sophomore All-American team. Robinson ran for 933 yards and 12 touchdowns on 165 carries and was named on the All-MVFC First Team.
RELATED: 2019 Illinois State Season Preview
Last season was when Robinson established himself as a top back in the country. He led the Valley with 1,290 rushing yards (205 carries) and added another 12 touchdowns. Robinson averaged 117.3 yards per game, went over 200 yards twice and rushed for 184 yards and two TDs in an FBS win at Colorado State. Five different All-American teams listed Robinson and he was on the All-Conference First Team once again.
The Illinois native, who broke state high school career records with his 9,045 yards and 158 rushing touchdowns, faced a ton of expectations when he arrived at Illinois State and he's lived up to them. Now it's time for the HERO Sports Preseason First Team All-American to take that next step and prove he's one of the best at his position in all of college football.
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