The countdown to the 2018 college football season is on. Four FCS teams are in action Aug. 25 as Duquesne takes on UMass, Prairie View faces Rice and North Carolina A&T and Jacksonville State square off in ESPN’s FCS Kickoff.
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HERO Sports is going to count down each day by highlighting the best player in FCS football who wears the jersey number of the number of days to kickoff. You can find the running list of top players here.
*Note: Jersey numbers are from the 2017 season.
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35: Shayne Lawless, senior linebacker — Stony Brook
The Seawolves had a memorable 2017 season, going 10-3 overall and 7-1 in the CAA with a playoff win. A big reason for that is the fast and physical defense Stony Brook has become known for. Finishing third on the unit in total tackles was Lawless with 93.
The linebacker added 13 tackles for loss, eight sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception. Lawless has started in 23 straight games entering his senior season and has earned back-to-back Second Team All-Conference honors. As a sophomore, he totaled 78 tackles. He'll now be looked at to lead the entire team as he was voted a 2018 captain.
"Playing linebacker at Stony Brook has been a blessing," Lawless said in a season preview. "The experiences I've had have been some of the best of my life. Our linebacker unit will be very versatile and hungry. Like the rest of our defense and team, we have a great blend of experience and young guys working together towards success."
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FCS Kickoff Countdown: The Best Player in FCS Who Wears Each Number, 1-99
CFB Countdown: The Best Player in FBS Football, 1-99
