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.
54: Kyin Howard, LB (Jr.) — North Carolina A&T
Howard is the third player on NC A&T’s strong defense to be named on this list.
After getting solid experience as a redshirt freshman in 2018 (12 games played and two starts), Howard stepped up big last season. The 6-foot, 243-pound sturdy middle linebacker was a major reason in NC A&T’s dominant run defense, which allowed just 79.9 rushing yards per game to rank No. 4 in the FCS.
Howard led the team with 79 tackles while adding 8.5 tackles for loss. He earned All-MEAC Second Team honors.
It didn’t take long for Howard to show he was ready for a big season. In the season-opening win against No. 21 Elon, he led the team with 10 tackles. The next week against FBS Duke, Howard racked up 11 tackles.
Just a junior in 2020, Howard has two bright seasons ahead of him.
