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.
0: Lance Wise, DB (Jr.) — Mercer
Wise was a two-star recruit by 247Sports in the class of 2019, with reported offers from Mercer, Air Force, Army, Columbia, and Kent State.
He saw the field right away in 2019 with the Bears, appearing in 12 games with 30 tackles. The 5-foot-9, 190-pounder then exploded in the 2020-21 season, finishing second on the team with 86 tackles. He added four TFLs, one interception, and nine passes defended in 11 games. Wise earned HERO Sports Sophomore All-American honors.
Wise continued to make big plays last fall. Offenses had to always account for where he was, no matter if it was a rushing or passing situation. Wise’s ability to defend both was on display again, totaling 59 tackles, two TFLs, three interceptions returned for 90 yards and a TD, four passes defended, and one forced fumble in nine games.
He was named to the All-SoCon First Team. Due to the free year of eligibility in 2020-21, Wise was listed as a sophomore on the 2021 roster and again earned HERO Sports Sophomore All-American accolades.
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.
The Bears were one of the first three teams left out of the playoff bracket last season, finishing 7-3 and 6-2 in the SoCon. With solid experience coming back, Mercer is ranked No. 23 in the Stats Perform preseason media poll.
