Welcome to the 2022 FCS Jersey Countdown.
Leading up to 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.
Below you will find the running list of players honored, along with links to the individual stories.
Note: Jersey numbers are based on 2021 rosters.
99: Nate Lynn, William & Mary
It started with seven tackles, one TFL, and one sack against FBS Virginia. The 6-foot-3, 265-pound defensive end went on to finish his season (10 games) with 52 tackles, 13.5 TFLs, 12 sacks, five quarterback hurries, and six forced fumbles. … READ MORE
98: Perry Ganci, Nicholls
The 6-foot-2, 260-pounder has started all three seasons with the Colonels dating back to 2019 as a true freshman. His background as a three-time state champion wrestler at Jesuit High School in New Orleans shows with his agility and tenacity on the football field. … READ MORE
97: Reece Winkelman, South Dakota State
Winkelman has been a steady, perhaps underlooked presence in SDSU’s starting lineup as the Jacks have had several All-American star power names over the years. He’ll be a leader on an SDSU team gunning for a national title, being named a captain this offseason. … READ MORE
96: Josiah Silver, New Hampshire
Silver earned All-CAA First Team honors and was named the conference’s Defensive Rookie of the Year. Nationally, Silver had multiple All-American honors, including HERO Sports Second Team, HERO Sports Freshman, Stats Perform Third Team, and AP Second Team. … READ MORE
95: Will Buck, San Diego
Last year, he totaled 39 tackles, 15 TFLs, 10 sacks, and six QB hurries in 11 games. Buck was named on the All-PFL First Team and earned HERO Sports Sophomore All-American honors. … READ MORE
94: Jevon Leon, Sam Houston
Leon has been an integral part of Sam Houston’s defensive line, helping the Bearkats own a strong rushing defense over the last few seasons. In three years, the six-foot-three, 255-pound Houston native is a three-time All-Conference selection and a two-time All-American … READ MORE
93: Jermaine McDaniel, North Carolina A&T
The talent is there for the former three-star recruit with 11 FCS offers and five FBS offers. If he can stay healthy, keep an eye on McDaniel as someone who can garner multiple postseason accolades. … READ MORE
92: Dan Kuznetsov, Holy Cross
The Crusaders have ridden a strong defense during their rise. They had the No. 14 FCS scoring defense last fall, allowing 18.5 PPG. One of the standouts is defensive end Dan Kuznetsov, who enters his fourth season as a starter. … READ MORE
91: Logan Jessup, Central Arkansas
Jessup’s high production continued for the rest of the year. His power, versatility, and motor led to 60 tackles, 11 TFLs, 5.5 sacks, and five QB hurries in 11 games. He earned All-ASUN First Team honors and was named a HERO Sports Sophomore All-American. … READ MORE
90: Devonnsha Maxwell, Chattanooga
Maxwell is a top FCS returning defensive player in 2022. The 6-foot-2, 296-pounder is big, mean, and productive on the d-line with a long list of accolades. He’s had a lengthy career for the Mocs and has gotten better every year, setting a high expectation level for this fall. … READ MORE
89: Efton Chism III, Eastern Washington
His nine receiving TDs led the team that finished second in the FCS with 44.0 points per game. Chism earned All-Big Sky Conference Third Team honors and was named a HERO Sports Freshman All-American. … READ MORE
88: Nathan Robertson, Kennesaw State
Robertson was automatic last fall. He made all 45 PATs during the regular season and hit seven of 10 field goals, including breaking his own program record with a 48-yarder. Robertson earned All-Conference First Team honors again and was named the Big South Special Teams Player of the Year. … READ MORE
87: Noah Gindorff, North Dakota State
Last fall, Gindorff recorded 17 receptions for 193 yards and two TDs. He earned All-American honors from HERO Sports (Third Team) and Phil Steele (Fourth Team). While he may not pad the stat sheet in NDSU’s run-heavy offense, Gindorff is a vicious blocker in the rushing attack at a massive 6-foot-6 and 266 pounds. … READ MORE
86: Paxton Scott, Dartmouth
The 6-foot-1, 185-pound Dallas native continued his standout season to lead the 9-1 Big Green with 46 receptions for 505 yards and four touchdowns. He earned All-Ivy League Honorable Mention accolades. … READ MORE
85: Tucker Kraft, South Dakota State
Kraft is just a fourth-year junior heading into 2022, but SDSU fans will want to enjoy him in a Jackrabbit uniform as much as possible this season because he’s already viewed as a top FCS prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft. … READ MORE
84: Pierre Williams, Sacramento State
Sac State returned to the field last fall. Once again, Williams had a fantastic year. He recorded 50 catches for 764 yards and three TDs. Some of his best games came against the top opponents. … READ MORE
83: CJ Turner, Southeastern Louisiana University
Turner is up to 2,383 career receiving yards and 19 TDs despite playing in limited games in the 2021 spring and fall seasons. He’s ready to put up big-time numbers this year with a full slate of games. … READ MORE
82: Ryan Miller, Furman
Miller is a top returning tight end in 2022 and eyes a third straight All-American season. The 6-foot-2, 221-pounder has a knack for getting open and making big plays after the catch. … READ MORE
81: Jadakis Bonds, Hampton
Bonds is an elite target on the outside with next-level talent. He has the size (6-foot-4 and 190 pounds), the top-end speed, and is a smooth athlete. … READ MORE
80: Hayden Hatten, Idaho
As a true sophomore in the spring, Hatten caught 43 passes for 613 yards and three touchdowns in only six games. The 6-foot-2, 210-pounder earned All-Big Sky Conference First Team honors and was named a HERO Sports Sophomore All-American. … READ MORE
79: Noah Atagi, Weber State
Noah has developed into a top OL in the Big Sky Conference. The veteran is a three-year starter dating back to his redshirt freshman season in 2019. He is also a two-year captain and earned First Team All-Conference honors in the 2021 spring and fall seasons. … READ MORE
78: Jaylin Hendrix, Central Arkansas
Hendrix has shown his versatility throughout his career, playing multiple positions on the offensive line at guard and tackle with most of his reps coming at right guard. He will be closing in on 50 career game appearances as this season progresses and should add to his list of postseason accolades. … READ MORE
77: Wyatt Musser, Eastern Washington
Musser enters his sixth year of college football, adding to his 46 games played and 20 starts. As a three-star high school recruit out of Kennewick, he was ranked the No. 5 offensive tackle and the No. 20 overall recruit in the state of Washington. … READ MORE
76: Nash Jones, Incarnate Word
Jones was steady again last fall in a breakout year for the Cardinals, who went 10-3 overall, 7-1 in the Southland, and nearly beat No. 1 seed and defending national champs Sam Houston in the second round of the playoffs, losing 49-42. Jones was named on the All-Conference First Team and garnered HERO Sports Sophomore All-American accolades. … READ MORE
75: Nick Correia, Rhode Island
Correia is a monster at 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds that can get out and move from his right guard position. His size and raw abilities are intriguing to pro scouts. And if Correia’s year-to-year improvements continue, 2022 will be a special season. … READ MORE
74: Garret Greenfield, South Dakota State
A standout up front the last two seasons is Greenfield. The 6-foot-6, 295-pound tackle was dominant in the spring, earning First Team All-American accolades from HERO Sports, Stats Perform, Phil Steele, Athlon Sports, the AP, and the AFCA. Greenfield then started all 15 games last fall as SDSU advanced to the semifinals. … READ MORE
73: Michael Corbi, Villanova
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. … READ MORE
72: Jalen Sundell, North Dakota State
Sundell has anchored NDSU’s dominant offensive line from his center position the last two seasons. A two-star recruit out of Maryville, Missouri, he hit the starting lineup as a redshirt sophomore in the 2021 spring season. Sundell allowed zero sacks and had zero penalties as the Bison ranked No. 10 in rushing offense (218.4 YPG). … READ MORE
71: Tavon Matthews, East Tennessee State
Tavon Matthews has been a starter on the o-line since his freshman season in 2019. He played in 756 of the possible 760 snaps in 2019 and all 401 possible snaps in the 2021 spring season, grading out at over 98 percent both years. … READ MORE
70: Cody Mauch, North Dakota State
NDSU offensive lineman Cordell Volson was selected by the Bengals in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Some scouts believe Volson was the second-best pro prospect on the 2021 Bison o-line. The top prospect was left tackle Cody Mauch, a name to know for the 2023 NFL Draft. … READ MORE
69: Justin Szuba, Monmouth
Szuba is a giant on the Monmouth offensive line. The 6-foot-8, 300-pound right tackle enters his sixth year of college football after missing last season due to injury. … READ MORE
68: Nate Korte, Southeast Missouri State
A reliable presence on the o-line for multiple seasons is Korte. The 6-foot-4, 305-pound right tackle is entering his fourth year as a starter. SEMO finished second in the OVC in rushing last season, and Korte earned All-Conference Second Team honors. … READ MORE
67: Anderson Tomlin, Furman
He earned a starting role at left tackle in the spring and was an immediate force, being named on the All-Conference First Team by the coaches. Tomlin repeated as a First Team All-SoCon performer last fall, helping the Paladins to the No. 24 FCS rushing offense (184.1 YPG). … READ MORE
66: Nash Jensen, North Dakota State
Jensen entered the lineup as a redshirt sophomore in 2019, starting all 16 games at left guard. NDSU went 16-0 and rushed for a school-record 4,601 yards. Jensen was named a HERO Sports Sophomore All-American. … READ MORE
65: Colby Sorsdal, William & Mary
The 6-foot-6, 300-pounder started another 10 games last fall as W&M led the CAA in rushing. Sorsdal’s progression as a standout offensive lineman was recognized with his All-Conference Third Team honors. … READ MORE
64: Jon Mucciolo, Sacred Heart
Mucciolo has been a big contributor on the offensive line dating back to 2019. Sacred Heart’s rushing attack is among the best in the FCS, highlighted by a physical offensive line and star-power at the running back position. It rushed for 211.3 yards per game last fall, ranking 11th in the FCS. … READ MORE
63: Levi Nesler, Murray State
Arriving as a walk-on, Nesler quickly turned into one of the best offensive lineman in the OVC. He started 10 games in 2018 and was named a HERO Sports Freshman All-American. Nesler hasn’t left the lineup since and has started 40 total games. The 6-foot-1, 318-pound center gained more accolades the last two seasons as a back-to-back All-OVC First Team selection. … READ MORE
62: Colin Gamroth, Villanova
The 6-foot-4, 305-pounder is a three-year starter and a three-time All-CAA selection. Gamroth was on the 2019 All-Conference Third Team (center), 2021 spring Second Team (left guard), and 2021 fall Second Team (center). … READ MORE
61: Hunter Mayginnes, Montana
A three-star recruit out of Arizona, Mayginnes spent 2018-2020 at Washington State. He transferred to Montana for the 2021 fall season and emerged as the starting left guard. The 6-foot-5, 330-pounder was one of two Griz offensive linemen to be named All-Big Sky, earning Third Team honors. … READ MORE
60: Mason McCormick, South Dakota State
McCormick sets the physical tone from his left guard spot and has become a top-tier FCS offensive lineman. The 6-foot-4, 310-pounder has started 27 consecutive games entering 2022 with starts dating back to 2019. … READ MORE
59: Baylee Trusty, Nicholls
While Trusty hasn’t received the postseason accolades like P.J. Burkhalter, Jair Joseph, or Evan Roussel, he has played a big role in that o-line success. He transferred to Nicholls from East Mississippi Community College before the 2021 spring season. The 6-foot-3, 295-pounder has started games at guard and center over the last two years for the Colonels. … READ MORE
58: Patrick O’Connell, Montana
The 6-foot-2, 225-pounder became one of the top defensive players in the FCS with his relentless and aggressive style of play. O’Connell totaled 105 tackles, 22 TFLs, 14 sacks, six quarterback hurries, four forced fumbles, and one defensive touchdown. … READ MORE
57: Nick Olsofka, Holy Cross
Olsofka continued to progress as a top offensive lineman in the Patriot League, earning All-Conference Second Team honors in the spring. And last season, Olsofka was selected as one of five team captains. He backed up that honor with his play throughout the year and was named an All-Conference First Team selection. … READ MORE
56: Zack Gieg, Southeast Missouri State
Gieg spent two seasons at Fresno State before transferring to SEMO. He won the starting center job and went on to have a First Team All-Ohio Valley Conference season. The 6-foot-1, 296-pounder also helped SEMO allow 1.64 sacks per game, which ranked in the top third of the FCS at No. 39. … READ MORE
55: Kyle Nunez, Stony Brook
Nunez is an imposing figure who has been among the best offensive linemen in the CAA for years. The 6-foot-2, 340-pound right guard enters his sixth season, is a four-year starter, and is a four-time All-Conference selection. … READ MORE
54: Matthan Hatchie, UT Martin
Hatchie took another step and was a force last season at his center position. He allowed just one sack and graded out at 89 percent or more in every game, recording 101 knockdowns. Hatchie earned All-Conference First Team honors and was named a Stats Perform Second Team All-America. … READ MORE
53: Eli Mostaert, North Dakota State
The 6-foot-3, 283-pound defensive tackle upped his play in the fall, as did the entire defensive line. Mostaert totaled 44 tackles, 10 TFLs, and 7.5 sacks during NDSU’s 14-1 campaign en route to another national championship. Mostaert was again named an All-Conference honorable mention along with a nod on the HERO Sports Sophomore All-American Team. … READ MORE
52: McClendon Curtis, Chattanooga
By 2019, Curtis was in the starting lineup at guard. He earned back-to-back First Team All-SoCon honors in the last two seasons, helping the Mocs to the No. 16 FCS rushing offense (205.5 yards per game) last fall. … READ MORE
51: Corey Bullock, North Carolina Central
Returning to the field last fall, Bullock showed off his improved play and his versatility. The 6-foot-4, 290-pounder played several positions across the offensive line. He graded out at 85 percent and led the team with 14 pancake blocks and nine knockdowns. Bullock was named on the All-MEAC Second Team. … READ MORE
50: Terrell Paxton, Kennesaw State
A two-star recruit, Paxton had other offers from Southern Illinois, Presbyterian, Morgan State, Mercer, Jacksonville State, Eastern Kentucky, Chattanooga, and The Citadel, according to 247Sports. He hit the lineup at Kennesaw as a freshman in 2019, starting 12 games for the No. 1 FCS rushing attack. … READ MORE
49: Brock Mogensen, South Dakota
Mogensen was productive again last season, showing off his nose for the football and totaling 86 tackles, six TFLs, three QB hurries, and one sack in 12 games. He recorded seven tackles and 1.5 TFLs to start the season at Kansas and had a season-high 11 tackles in a first-round playoff loss against Southern Illinois. … READ MORE
48: James Conway, Fordham
Conway racked up 131 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and one interception in 11 games. His 11.9 tackles per game ranked No. 2 in the FCS, and the 131 total tackles were fifth. … READ MORE
47: Ryan Greenhagen, Fordham
Greenhagen enters 2022 with 312 career total tackles (No. 4 in school history), 184 solo tackles (No. 4), and 35.5 TFLs (No. 4). He looks to climb the record books and continue to attract NFL attention. … READ MORE
46: Ty Boeck, Chattanooga
Boeck is a physical player and has been a top SoCon linebacker for multiple seasons. He’s a three-time All-Conference selection in three years of starting (2019 Second Team, 2020-21 Second Team, 2021 First Team). … READ MORE
45: Aubrey Miller Jr., Jackson State
Last fall was another First Team All-Conference season for Miller. Miller led the SWAC with 109 total tackles. He also recorded 11.5 TFLs, 6.5 sacks, and three passes defended. One of his standout performances was a 16-tackle and two-TFL performance against FBS ULM. … READ MORE
44: Hunter Luepke, North Dakota State
Luepke had 19 carries for 110 yards, plus three catches for 89 yards and two scores in the semifinals against James Madison. Then in the national championship game, he was named the Most Outstanding Player after rushing 14 times for 82 yards and three scores against Montana State. … READ MORE
43: VJ Malo, Portland State
Malo finished the season with 45 tackles, 20 TFLs, 10.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles. His 1.8 TFLs per game ranked No. 6 in the FCS and the 20 total TFLs were No. 8. … READ MORE
42: Brennan Young, Houston Baptist
Last season was another productive one for the 6-foot, 220-pounder. He totaled 99 tackles, 9.5 TFLs, two sacks, one interception, and three quarterback hurries. … READ MORE
41: Spencer Cuvelier, Northern Iowa
One of the most physical, hard-nosed defenses in the FCS, UNI has a long lineage of hard-hitting linebackers flying to the ball. Last season, the Panthers ranked No. 13 in FCS scoring defense (18.0 PPG) and No. 5 in rushing defense (87.1 YPG). Cuvelier has been a standout on that side of the ball since 2019 when he transferred in from Iowa Central Community College. … READ MORE
40: Ryan Saddler, Bryant
Saddler took his play to another level and developed into Bryant’s top defensive player last season. The 6-foot-2, 225-pounder led the team with 91 tackles, which was seventh-most in school history. He added six tackles for loss and a sack, earning All-NEC First Team honors. … READ MORE
39: Adam Zavalney, North Dakota
The 6-foot-4, 235-pound North Dakota native played a bigger role in the offense last season. He recorded 20 receptions for 303 yards and four scores. Only three FCS tight ends had more than Zavalney’s 15.15 yards per reception. … READ MORE
38: Will Leota, Utah Tech
Leota started in seven of 10 games as a true freshman last fall. He finished third on the team with 53 tackles and also recorded 4.5 TFLs, one sack, one interception, and two quarterback hurries. Leota was one of two Trailblazers to be named on the All-WAC team. … READ MORE
37: Tyrese Wright, Monmouth
The 6-foot, 215-pounder had a fabulous year last fall. He led the team with 71 tackles and 10 passes defended. Wright also had 2.5 tackles for loss and one interception, earning a spot on the All-Big South Second Team. … READ MORE
36: Hunter Mason, Western Illinois
No. 36 is in honor of Western Illinois defensive lineman Hunter Mason. Mason was coming off of a standout junior season with the Leathernecks in 2021. Mason’s family, friends, teammates, and community received jolting news this spring when a large mass was discovered on his frontal lobe, requiring emergency brain surgery. Mason was battling Glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. On June 1, Mason’s family announced the heartbreaking news that Hunter passed away at his home in Nevada, Missouri. … READ MORE
35: Tyler King, Stony Brook
King totaled 95 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and one interception in 11 games. He ranked fifth in the CAA in total tackles, and his 50 solo tackles were No. 2. King had a season-high 12 tackles against Oregon, including three TFLs and one sack. … READ MORE
34: Ulonzo Gilliam Jr., UC Davis
Gilliam is within striking distance of breaking the school record in career rushing yards. His 3,435 yards are 155 shy of G.P. Muhammad’s record from 1995-98. Gilliam was recently named the Big Sky’s Preseason Offensive MVP as he looks to put an exclamation point on the end of an illustrious college career. … READ MORE
33: Matthew Jackson, Eastern Kentucky
The 6-foot-2, 205-pounder went off last fall. He totaled 102 tackles, 11 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and eight passes defended in 11 games. Jackson was named to the All-ASUN Team and finished 16th in voting for the Buck Buchanan Award. … READ MORE
32: Adam Bock, South Dakota State
Last fall, the 6-foot-1 and 215-pounder manned the middle of the defense again and totaled 125 tackles, 9.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and eight passes defended in 15 games. … READ MORE
31: Isaiah Land, Florida A&M
Last year, he racked up an incredible 43 tackles, 25.5 TFLs, 19 sacks, six quarterback hurries, and three forced fumbles. Land was named the SWAC Defensive Player of the Year and earned First Team All-American honors from HERO Sports, Stats Perform, Athlon, the AP, and the AFCA. He won the Buck Buchanan Award with 125 voting points. … READ MORE
30: Tristan Wheeler, Richmond
The awards kept flowing in last fall. Wheeler led the team again with 114 tackles in 11 games, including six TFLs and two interceptions. His accolades included All-CAA First Team, HERO Sports Third Team All-American, and Stats Perform Second Team All-American. … READ MORE
29: Jake Chisholm, Dayton
After Dayton opted out of the 2020-21 season, Chisholm had another fantastic year last fall. A HERO Sports Third Team All-American at the all-purpose spot, Chisholm rushed 235 times for 1,033 yards and 14 TDs, caught 30 passes for 361 yards and five TDs, and returned 15 kickoffs for 300 yards. … READ MORE
28: Julien Gums, Nicholls
Gums was ready to break some Nicholls career records last year before his injury. He now sets his sights on those records in 2022. He is ranked No. 2 all-time in career rushing yards with 2,556, trailing Josh Son’s 2,658. Gums is third all-time in career rushing touchdowns with 32, behind Broderick Cole’s 33 and Chase Fourcade’s 35. … READ MORE
27: Jacob Dobbs, Holy Cross
Last fall was another dominant showing for Dobbs. He totaled 137 tackles (75 solo), 17.5 TFLs, 9.5 sacks, six quarterback hurries, and three pass breakups in 13 games. The 137 tackles were the fourth most in the FCS. … READ MORE
26: James Kaczor, North Dakota State
HERO Sports ranks him the No. 24 returning FCS linebacker. And Kaczor was recently named to the Buck Buchanan Award preseason watch list alongside teammates defensive end Spencer Waege and safety Michael Tutsie. … READ MORE
25: Michael Tutsie, North Dakota State
Tutsie has started 41 straight games at strong safety. He ranks 10th in school history with 136 solo tackles. … READ MORE
24: Peter Oliver, Holy Cross
Last fall was Oliver’s most productive season. He was the top RB and finished second on the team behind QB Matthew Sluka in rushing. Oliver had 150 carries for 780 yards and four TDs, averaging 5.2 yards a rush. He earned All-Conference First Team honors as Holy Cross finished No. 18 in FCS rushing offense (205.2 YPG). … READ MORE
23: Jordan Jones, Rhode Island
Starting all 11 games, Jones tallied 36 tackles, one sack, six interceptions, and eight pass breakups. The six interceptions tied for the fourth-most in the FCS, and one of those picks was returned 100 yards for a touchdown against Brown. The 6-foot, 180-pounder was named an Associated Press Second Team All-American and he also earned All-CAA Second Team honors. … READ MORE
22: Isaiah Ifanse, Montana State
Ifanse is the No. 1 returning FCS running back, although he is questionable to play in the season-opener after offseason knee surgery. Recovering from the surgery coupled with his high workload last season may result in him not putting up massive, top-of-the-rankings-board numbers in 2022. But he will still be a top weapon in the FCS even if he’s carrying the ball 15 times a game rather than 25 times a game. … READ MORE
21: Justin Ford, Montana
Ford became a top-tier cornerback in the country last fall, leading all of college football with nine interceptions. Two of those nine picks were returned for TDs as he totaled 20 passes defended. He had an incredible streak of eight straight games with an interception. … READ MORE
20: Josh Davis, Weber State
Now in his sixth year with the program, Davis eyes a healthy and 2018/2019-like season. He is third in school history with 3,165 career rushing yards and seventh in career all-purpose yards (4,045). … READ MORE
19: Tyrone Scott, Missouri State
Scott became a big-time downfield target for Shelley in the fall, setting school records for receptions (66), receiving yards (1,110), and receiving touchdowns (8). He led the MVFC with 92.5 receiving yards per game, earning All-Conference First Team honors and HERO Sports Sophomore All-American accolades. … READ MORE
18: John H. Ford II, UT Martin
Last season saw Ford at a new level. He was everywhere for the UT Martin defense. In 13 games, he racked up 88 tackles, five TFLs, 0.5 sacks, four interceptions (one returned 75 yards for a touchdown), eight passes defended, and one forced fumble. Ford was named on the All-OVC First Team. … READ MORE
17: Robby Hauck, Montana
The safety transferred to Montana from Northern Arizona in 2018, the first season of his father Bobby Hauck’s second stint as the Griz head coach. He’s been a playmaker ever since, totaling 364 career tackles, 16 tackles for loss, four sacks, nine passes defended, and five forced fumbles in three full seasons plus the two-game 2021 spring season. … READ MORE
16: Taylor Grimes, Incarnate Word
His combination of route-running, speed, and making tough catches resulted in Grimes becoming a top-tier receiver in the FCS. Grimes ranked No. 4 with 7.2 receptions per game (87 in 12 games), No. 9 with 95.4 receiving yards per game (1,145 yards total), and tied for the subdivision lead with 15 touchdown catches. … READ MORE
15: Marte Mapu, Sacramento State
Last fall, the Hornets returned to the field for another successful season. Mapu was a breakout player for the defense, starting all 12 games. He finished second on the team with 65 tackles while recording 5.5 TFLs, three quarterback hurries, a team-high four interceptions, and another team-high 10 pass breakups. … READ MORE
14: Jakob Herres, Richmond
Herres enters 2022 with the most career receptions among active FCS players with 226. He also ranks second among returning FCS wide receivers with 3,006 career receiving yards. He is ranked HERO Sports’ No. 5 returning FCS wide receiver and is on our preseason All-American Second Team. … READ MORE
13: Beau Kelly, Portland State
Kelly led the Vikings last year and the Big Sky Conference during the regular season in all of the major receiving categories: catches (69), touchdowns (10), and yards (981). … READ MORE
12: Jake Dunniway, Sacramento State
Dunniway completed 63.2 percent of his passes for 2,576 yards, 12 touchdowns, and five interceptions. O’Hara led the Hornets with 667 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns while throwing for 899 yards and seven scores. Dunniway was named an All-Big Sky Third Team QB, and O’Hara was named an All-Conference First Teamer at the all-purpose spot. … READ MORE
11: BJ Bohler, Florida A&M
Bohler recorded 52 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, four interceptions returned for 106 yards, and 12 pass breakups. He was named on the All-SWAC First Team and a Boxtorow All-American. … READ MORE
10: Jaxon Janke, South Dakota State
Janke is a part of a superb senior class eyeing an elusive national title. He’s a HERO Sports Preseason All-American along with several teammates and is ranked our No. 2 returning FCS wide receiver. … READ MORE
9: Benny Sapp III, Northern Iowa
UNI has had six players drafted since 2015, including two in 2021 (Spencer Brown in the 3rd round and Elerson Smith in the 4th) and one this year (Trevor Penning in the 1st). Sapp has a good shot to be next after an All-American-level senior season. … READ MORE
8: Xavier Shepherd, Kennesaw State
Shepherd emerged as the starter last season and had a dynamite year. In 13 games, Shepherd rushed 240 times for 867 yards and an FCS-leading 23 touchdowns. … READ MORE
7: Ty Okada, Montana State
The 5-foot-11, 185-pounder showed his versatility as a defender, playing a safety/nickel spot for the Bobcats. Okada totaled 78 tackles, six TFLs, one forced fumble, two interceptions, and six pass breakups. He earned All-Big Sky Conference Second Team honors. … READ MORE
6: Geno Hess, Southeast Missouri
Hess looks to add to his already-strong career numbers in 2022. In 34 games, he has run for 2,421 yards and 32 TDs, averaging 5.3 yards per rush. Hess is a HERO Sports Preseason Third Team All-American and is ranked our No. 7 returning FCS running back. … READ MORE
5: Stone Snyder, VMI
Six-foot-3. 240 pounds. Crazy athleticism. And the name Stone Snyder. This guy was born to play linebacker, and he’s been one of the best in the FCS for multiple seasons. … READ MORE
4: Malik Grant, Sacred Heart
He totaled 240 rushes for 1,347 yards and nine touchdowns, plus 10 catches for 130 yards and two scores. The 1,347 yards ranked No. 4 in the FCS. … READ MORE
3: Jason Shelley, Missouri State
Shelley finished 215-of-362 passing for 3,088 yards, 30 TDs, and six interceptions, including 398 yards rushing and 10 scores. He was named the MVFC Offensive Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year. … READ MORE
2: Xavier Gipson, Stephen F. Austin
Gipson enters 2022 as the active FCS wide receiver in career receiving yards (3,158) and career receiving TDs (30). … READ MORE
1: Kedrick Whitehead, Delaware
Whitehead looks to be a four-time All-American when the 2022 season ends. The hard-hitting safety is in his fifth season with the Blue Hens and is a team captain. … READ MORE
0: Lance Wise, Mercer
Wise is getting plenty of preseason love this summer. He’s our No. 9 returning FCS safety. He also got a nod on the Stats Perform All-American Third Team. … READ MORE
