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.
88: Tyler Hudson, WR (So.) — Central Arkansas
The Bears owned one of the most explosive passing attacks in the FCS last year. Leading the way as their top target was freshman Tyler Hudson.
With the speed to stretch the field and the frame and athletic ability to go up and get the ball at 6-foot-2, Hudson led UCA with 55 receptions for 975 yards and 12 touchdowns. He had the second-most receiving yards out of all 2019 FCS freshmen and the most receiving touchdowns. The 12 touchdowns are also the second-best in school history while the 975 yards are the fifth most.
His play earned him several accolades, including HERO Sports Freshman All-American, Southland Conference Freshman of the Year and a spot on the All-Conference Second Team. Hudson finished eighth in the Walter Payton Award voting, given to the top FCS freshman.
“He’s a ball magnet,” safety Juan Jackson told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette back in December. “Even when you’re close to him, he’s going to go up and make a play. Whether it’s a good pass, a bad pass, he’s going to catch it. He’s going up and getting it.”
UCA did its damage through the air with Hudson, Sophomore All-American QB Breylin Smith and sophomore First Team All-Conference WR Lujuan Winningham. If the young trio gets one year better in 2020, watch out.
