Welcome to the 2022 FCS Jersey Countdown. Leading up to the start of college football odds and Week 0 games on Aug. 27, HERO Sports will name the best returning FCS player by jersey number, 99-0. Due to rosters being updated at different times for teams across the country and to keep things consistent, jersey numbers are based on last season’s rosters.
The 99-0 countdown central page can be found here.
Note: Jersey numbers are based on 2021 rosters.
73: Michael Corbi, OL (Sr.) — Villanova
Corbi is a fantastic story, going from walk-on to All-American.
He bided his time at Villanova, developing as a backup offensive lineman in 2018 and 2019. When he earned a starting role in the spring 2021 season, Corbi excelled at the center position and was named on the All-CAA First Team.
Corbi made the move to left guard last fall and again played at an elite level. He garnered All-Conference First Team accolades and was named a Second Team All-American by the Associated Press. The 6-foot-3, 335-pounder is a mauler on the interior of the o-line with quick feet thanks to his soccer background growing up.
Villanova had strong OL play in its 10-3 season (7-1 in the CAA) that ended in the quarterfinals against South Dakota State. The Wildcats finished No. 10 in the FCS with 1.08 sacks allowed per game and ranked No. 33 in rushing offense (170.0 YPG).
Nova looks to build off of last season’s success and its first quarterfinal appearance since 2014. HERO Sports ranks the Wildcats No. 9 in our preseason Top 25. They lose standout QB Daniel Smith, but the skilled-position guys are strong and Corbi leads a solid offensive line. He has already earned two honors as 2022 preseason All-American teams get announced — Athlon Sports First Team and The Bluebloods Second Team.
