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.
The 99-0 countdown central page can be found here.
Note: Jersey numbers are based on 2021 rosters.
6: Geno Hess, RB (Sr.) — Southeast Missouri
Hess has been giving defenses headaches for multiple seasons now. He is incredibly shifty, leaving defenders grabbing at air. The 5-foot-8, 222-pounder also bounces off of would-be tackles, racking up yards after contact.
A two-star recruit by 247Sports, Hess played in four games as a freshman in 2018, maintaining his redshirt. In 2019, he was named to the OVC All-Newcomer Team after rushing for 575 yards and six touchdowns on 102 attempts.
During the 2020-21 season, Hess led the FCS with 12 rushing TDs, adding 666 yards on 137 carries in eight games. He was named to the All-Conference First Team and a HERO Sports Sophomore All-American.
Last fall was another fantastic one. Hess rushed 203 times for 1,116 yards and 14 TDs. Along with another All-OVC First Team nod, Hess earned All-American honors from the Associated Press (Second Team), Stats Perform (Third Team), and Phil Steele (Third Team).
He 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. Hess was also named the 2022 Preseason Ohio Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Year.
