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.
[divider]MORE FCS FOOTBALL:
- 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
[divider]
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.
[divider]
50: Robert Heyward, LB (Sr.) — Towson
Heyward cracked the starting lineup at the end of his freshman season in 2016. He's been rock solid ever since. The Georgia native finished third on the team with his 64 tackles in 2017. Last year was when was he really established himself as a top linebacker in the CAA.
Heyward led the Tigers with 99 tackles and also had 10.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and four pass breakups. He was named to the All-CAA Second Team for his play.
He's now looked at as a leader on a defense that replaces a handful of starters. Expect even more production from Heyward, who's made big improvements year after year.
[divider]
NEXT: The Best Traditions in the FCS
SUBSCRIBE: HERO Sports FCS Podcast
