Welcome to the 2020 FCS Jersey Countdown.
Throughout the May-August months, HERO Sports is going to name the best returning FCS player by jersey number, 99-1. Due to rosters being updated at different times for teams across the country and to keep things consistent, jersey numbers are based on the 2019 season.
The full 99-1 countdown/schedule can be found here.
*Note: Jersey numbers are based on 2019 rosters.
18: Samuel Akem, WR (Sr.) — Montana
Akem had a breakthrough redshirt sophomore season in 2018, being named a HERO Sports Sophomore All-American and earning a spot on the All-Big Sky Conference Second Team.
The big 6-foot-4, 201-pound target led the Big Sky and ranked No. 6 in the FCS with 13 touchdown catches. He hauled in 59 passes for 879 yards.
With big expectations heading into last year, Akem once again proved to be a top receiver in the conference and subdivision. But his season was cut short with a foot injury in early November. In 10 games, he caught 59 passes for 848 yards and five touchdowns.
Akem was named on the All-Conference Second Team.
When Akem was out, Samori Toure stepped up in a big way down the stretch. Toure and Akem are both back, and while Toure is getting the preseason All-American love, the two are 1a and 1b and two of the top WRs in the FCS.
The two will get some serious looks when the NFL Draft rolls around.
