College football has always been a breeding ground for exceptional talent, and the 2024 season is no different. This year, the spotlight is on the top FCS players who have demonstrated remarkable skills and potential.
The college football transfer portal has become a critical avenue for FCS standouts to transition to the Power Five level. Notable examples from recent years include Miami quarterback Cam Ward. He started his career at Incarnate Word before transferring to Washington State. Another example is Pittsburgh running back Desmond Reid, originally from Western Carolina.
This article delves into some of the top-graded FCS underclassmen at each position. It will highlight their impressive performances and contributions to their teams.
From quarterbacks to defensive linemen, these players have not only met but exceeded expectations. Their performances have been meticulously analyzed, and the statistics speak volumes about their capabilities.
The following sections provide a detailed look at these standout athletes, their achievements, and what makes them the best in their respective positions this season.
Top FCS Quarterbacks of 2024
Aidan Bouman – South Dakota
Aidan Bouman, a former Iowa State transfer, has taken over as South Dakota’s starting quarterback and has been playing at an exceptionally high level. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 245 pounds, Bouman has completed 68.9% of his passes for 1,984 yards with 12 touchdowns against just two interceptions through 10 games.
His PFF grade of 91.4 reflects his outstanding performance. Bouman ranks second nationally in yards per attempt (9.5) and has the second-lowest turnover-worthy play rate (1.2%) among FCS quarterbacks with at least 200 dropbacks.
Outstanding FCS Running Backs
Scottre Humphrey – Montana State
Montana State’s Scottre Humphrey has been a revelation this season. The 5-foot-11, 210-pound running back is the fifth-leading rusher in the FCS with 1,221 yards and 13 touchdowns on 165 carries.
Humphrey has surpassed the 100-yard rushing mark in 8 of 11 games, showcasing his consistency and durability. His PFF grade of 94.6 is a testament to his explosive playmaking ability, with 37 explosive rushing plays of 10+ yards, tied for the third-most among FCS underclassmen with at least 100 carries.
Charles Pierre Jr. – South Dakota
Another standout from South Dakota, Charles Pierre Jr., has also made a significant impact. The 5-foot-10, 205-pound redshirt-sophomore has carried the ball 135 times for 1,046 yards and 15 touchdowns through 10 games.
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Pierre Jr. has become the Coyotes’ first 1,000-yard rusher since the program’s jump to the FCS level in 2008. His versatility is evident with 16 receptions for 163 yards and two touchdowns. His PFF grade of 92.6 highlights his all-around capabilities.
Top FCS Wide Receivers
AJ Johnson – East Tennessee State
AJ Johnson, who transferred from Gardner-Webb, has found his stride in his first season at East Tennessee State. The 6-foot-3, 195-pound wide receiver has caught 31 passes for 555 yards and five touchdowns over his last six outings, including three 100-yard performances.
Johnson’s PFF grade of 88.7 underscores his reliability and playmaking ability. He has hauled in 40 of 44 catchable targets without a single dropped pass.
Josh Derry – Monmouth
Monmouth’s Josh Derry is having a breakout sophomore campaign. The 5-foot-9, 175-pound wide receiver has 53 receptions for 819 yards and five touchdowns over nine games.
Derry’s PFF grade of 85.0 reflects his impressive performance, averaging 3.79 yards per route run, the best mark among FCS underclassmen with at least 50 targets.
Exceptional FCS Tight Ends
Lance Mason – Missouri State
No FCS tight end has been more productive this season than Missouri State’s Lance Mason. The 6-foot-4, 240-pounder has caught 34 passes for 590 yards and six touchdowns over 11 games.
Mason’s PFF grade of 87.6 highlights his ability to create explosive plays, leading all FCS underclassmen tight ends with 15 plays of 10+ yards.
Top FCS Offensive Linemen
Bryce Henderson – South Dakota
Bryce Henderson has been a cornerstone of South Dakota’s offensive line. The 6-foot-8, 325-pound right tackle has an elite run blocking grade of 92.1, the highest among FCS underclassman offensive linemen with at least 100 snaps.
His dominance in the run game has been a key factor in the Coyotes’ offensive success.
Brady Norton – Cal Poly
Cal Poly’s Brady Norton excels in pass protection. The 6-foot-3, 275-pound left tackle has not allowed a single sack or quarterback hit in 409 pass blocking snaps this season.
Norton’s PFF grade of 71.5 showcases his effectiveness in keeping the quarterback clean and providing a stable pocket.
Leading FCS Defensive Linemen
Tyree Morris – Lafayette
After missing the entire 2023 season due to injury, Tyree Morris has returned with a vengeance. The 6-foot-6, 273-pound defensive lineman is his team’s second-leading tackler with 57 tackles, including five for a loss and two sacks.
Morris’s PFF grade of 87.0 reflects his impact on both the run and pass defense.
Top FCS Linebackers
David Meyer – UC Davis
David Meyer has been exceptional in coverage for UC Davis. The 6-foot-1, 230-pound linebacker owns a strong 87.2 run defense grade and an outstanding 92.0 coverage grade, the highest among FCS underclassman linebackers with at least 100 defensive snaps.
Meyer has allowed just 177 yards in coverage, with three interceptions and no touchdowns allowed.
Standout FCS Defensive Backs
Jaden Mosley – Samford
Samford’s Jaden Mosley has posted elite grades across the board. The 6-foot-0, 210-pound safety has a 91.1 run defense grade, an 84.0 pass rush grade, and an 82.1 coverage grade.
Mosley has been a force on the field with 69 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and three sacks.
Nick Peltekian – Lehigh
Lehigh safety Nick Peltekian has taken his game to another level this season. The 6-foot-0, 210-pounder has registered 59 total tackles, three interceptions, and one defensive touchdown.
Peltekian’s PFF grades of 90.1 in coverage and 91.2 in run defense highlight his all-around dominance.
The 2024 season has been a showcase of incredible talent across the FCS, with these players leading the charge. Their performances have not only elevated their teams but also caught the attention of scouts and analysts nationwide.
As the season progresses, it will be exciting to see how these athletes continue to develop and make their mark on the college football landscape.
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