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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10: Riley Stapleton, WR (Sr.) — James Madison
As a sophomore in 2017, Stapleton's late-season emergence was key in JMU returning to Frisco, Texas for the national championship game. The 6-foot-5, 230-pound receiver was a matchup nightmare and had 42 catches for 615 yards and five touchdowns that year.
Stapleton faced high expectations entering 2018, and while he maybe didn't put up the kind of numbers some expected, he was still named to the All-CAA Second Team with 62 receptions for 710 yards and seven touchdowns.
RELATED: 2019 JMU Season Preview
A Preseason HERO Sports Third Team All-American, Stapleton won't play the first three games this season due to suspension. When he does return, he'll be a big boost for an offense looking to get more explosive. Stapleton is one of the best deep threats in the FCS and his presence on the field is key for whoever wins the starting quarterback job.
His football career won't end at JMU either. Stapleton will definitely get a shot at the next level. Draft Scout currently ranks him the 48th best pro prospect at wide receiver.
HIGHLIGHT | Riley Stapleton in the air is always tough to stop, as he pulls down his second touchdown of the day and gives the Dukes' three scores on three drives! pic.twitter.com/VLCJe9tBnN
— JMU Football (@JMUFootball) November 10, 2018
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