By the Numbers: FCS Explosive Players Returning for the 2024 Season

A part of The Analyst’s FCS school soccer sequence referred to as “By the Numbers,” which analyzes information to assist inform the story of the Soccer Championship Subdivision.

Explosions are available in many kinds. Regardless of how they materialize, they’re harmful and thrilling … and sudden.

Usually, they’re the backyard selection hold-your-breath moments of life.

Soccer is not any completely different than life. There are explosive moments, and a few gamers manufacture them way more usually than others.

Throughout his profession, New Hampshire’s Dylan Laube proved he might harm opponents a number of methods by way of the large play. Whether or not it was an FBS or FCS opponent, he actually didn’t care. The NFL took discover of his entertaining methods and the Las Vegas Raiders chosen him within the sixth spherical of the 2024 NFL Draft.

With Laube now taking part in within the large leagues, it begs the query: Who might be that man on the subject of FCS explosive gamers this 12 months?

We’ve got some potential candidates for you:

Prime-10 Rankings: FCS Explosive Playmakers

No. 1: Junior Bergen, Montana, Sr.

How will we put this frivolously? When Bergen appears to be like like he’s going left, it could really be to the proper. His “change up” in velocity would make an all-star baseball pitcher grin.

On particular groups, Bergen is like that nasty storm you actually don’t need hitting your home. You already know it’s coming, however there’s nothing you are able to do about it and also you’re undecided what the injury estimate might be afterward.

Bergen is that this 12 months’s swiss military knife model of Laube. He might be harmful on particular groups – each punt and kickoff – the passing recreation (59 receptions, 791 yards, 5 touchdowns), and only for enjoyable, the working recreation after he averaged almost seven yards per carry final 12 months.

Bergen confirmed the flash in final 12 months’s nationwide playoffs, when his large performs (three return TDs) wowed a nationwide viewers that extends nicely past the standard FCS diehard fan.

Bergen defines the phrase “explosive,” and would be the No. 1 man in that class of the 2024 FCS season – earlier than the following stage comes calling.

No. 2: ShunDerrick Powell, Central Arkansas, Sr.

Powell was a 2022 FCS All-American at North Alabama, and when he switched to Central Arkansas a number of states to the west, he was as soon as once more all-everything with the ball in 2023. It actually didn’t matter the place he was, he did the identical factor: He was a ache within the rear finish for opponents.

Powell’s explosive potential was on show for UCA at North Dakota State when he had 71- and 43-yard runs – each scoring performs within the first half – earlier than the Bison pulled away. Alongside along with his 12 yards per carry common within the recreation, he additionally caught 4 passes and had 99 yards in kickoff returns – accounting for 347 all-purpose yards.

A 1,000-yard rusher for 2 completely different faculties the previous two seasons, Powell might be one of many nation’s extra harmful long-play threats as soon as once more. The Bears’ offensive showdown with Tarleton State is predicted to be the most effective video games of the 2024 FCS season.

No. 3: Donovan Wadley, Merrimack, Sr.

Wadley can slice and cube an opponent three other ways, as he did final 12 months on his solution to 11 touchdowns. He led the nation in kickoff return common (37.9) and tied for the excessive in kickoff return touchdowns (three). 

Wadley averaged greater than 18 yards per reception and rushed for 3 touchdowns, although he’s listed as a large receiver.

Control Wadley towards the Air Pressure Academy in Week 1, because the Falcons are clearly the most important opponent Merrimack has confronted within the Massachusetts faculty’s brief FCS period (since 2019). The Warriors are taking part in as an FCS impartial this season.

No. 4: Chandler Brayboy, Elon, R-Sr.

Brayboy has been a triple-threat for the Phoenix for some time, and final 12 months was an awesome instance of it. He averaged 26.9 yards per kickoff return, 8.4 yards when the receiver touched the ball within the run recreation and 19.6 yards per reception.

A technique or one other, he’s going to harm you – it’s your selection how.

Elon opens the season towards FBS Duke, and it could open with the ball in Brayboy’s fingers.

No. 5 Jeremy Kibble, Georgetown, Jr.

Kibble had one of many prime FCS marks when it got here to yards per catch final 12 months. He averaged 23.5 yards (33 receptions, 753 yards), and that included an FCS-best 52.9-yard common on his eight TDs.

Patriot League should suppose twice about one-on-one matchups with Kibble, as he’ll as soon as once more be a terror for head coach Rob Sgarlata’s Hoyas.

FCS Explosive Playmakers: The Better of the Relaxation

No. 6: Devin Smith, Villanova, Sr.

Smith has transferred to Villanova after starring at North Carolina Central. He was good for 18 yards per reception final 12 months, highlighted by his efficiency in an FCS first-round playoff recreation at Richmond (201 yards on six receptions, together with a 91-yard landing catch).

No. 7: Darius Cooper, Tarleton State, Sr.

Cooper has averaged almost 20 yards per reception in profession and went over 1,000 receiving yards in 2022 earlier than he was restricted to seven video games final season (he nonetheless averaged 22.2 yards on 28 catches).

No. 8: Carter Bell, South Dakota, R-Sr.

Bell averaged almost 17.5 yards per reception final season, together with 50 yards on his 5 touchdowns. He’s performed in 5 completely different seasons already, and had a TD catch in every one.

(Bell and Coyotes tight finish J.J. Galbreath type one of many FCS’ prime offensive duos as nicely)

No. 9: Elijah Howard, Central Connecticut State, Jr.

In his first season at CCSU after a switch from Virginia Tech, Howard fell simply shy of 1,000 speeding yards. He broke by way of the offensive line for landing runs of 80+ yards in back-to-back video games.

No. 10: Angel Johnson, South Dakota State, Jr.

Amar Johnson is the extra well-known working again returning with the reigning FCS champion Jackrabbits, however Angel Johnson’s 9 yards per carry final season mirror he’s one of many prime FCS explosive playmakers. He had three carries of fifty+ yards and rushed for 5 touchdowns.

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