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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97: John Daka, DL (Sr.) — James Madison
Daka emerged as one of the most disruptive defensive ends in the FCS last year, earning HERO Sports Second Team All-American honors. He was a part of a ferocious defensive front for the Dukes that ranked 24th in the subdivision with 2.77 sacks per game.
At 6-foot-3, 222 pounds, Daka finished 2018 with 47 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, nine QB hurries, two forced fumbles and one safety. His sacks total tied for first in the CAA and his TFLs tied for second as he was named to the CAA Third Team.
JMU has a chance to be the top defense in the FCS this year. Daka will be a big reason why.
HIGHLIGHT I John Daka goes untouched and reads that option quite well for the 4-yard loss! pic.twitter.com/cfXkPaDPLh
— JMU Football (@JMUFootball) October 13, 2018
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