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
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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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75: Spencer Blackburn, OL (Sr.) — Eastern Washington
As if the Eagles didn't already have enough offensive firepower returning this season, they got a bonus when it was announced Blackburn is returning for a sixth year after his hardship waiver request was approved. Fellow offensive lineman Kaleb Levao is also back for a sixth year and the Eagles get Tristen Taylor back from injury as well.
That means four offensive linemen (Chris Schlichting as the fourth) return with significant starting experience.
And to have Blackburn back at the center spot is absolutely huge. After redshirting in 2014 and being sidelined with a thumb injury in 2015, the 6-foot-2 and 290-pounder has started in 37 straight games entering 2019.
Blackburn has earned postseason recognition in every season he's played:
- 2016: HERO Sports Sophomore All-American; All-Big Sky Second Team
- 2017: All-Big Sky Second Team
- 2018: STATS and AP All-American; All-Big Sky Second Team
He enters 2019 as a HERO Sports Preseason Second Team All-American.
The Eagles made a run to Frisco last year, thanks in part to a stronger run game and defense. The weapons at the skilled positions are always strong for EWU. With Blackburn leading an experienced offensive line, the Eagles are primed to make another deep playoff push.
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