Welcome to the 2022 FCS Jersey Countdown. Leading up to the start of weekly 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.
60: Mason McCormick, OL (Sr.) — South Dakota State
SDSU has owned a top FCS offensive line the last couple of seasons, resulting in deep playoff runs and multiple All-American honors for running backs Pierre Strong Jr. and Isaiah Davis.
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.
He shined in the spring season as the Jackrabbits made a run to the national title game. McCormick earned All-MVFC Second Team honors, was a HERO Sports Sophomore All-American, and was named to the HERO Sports All-FCS Team.
Despite Davis missing time last season with an injury, the SDSU ground game remained elite thanks to the o-line and Strong having the best season of his career with 1,673 yards rushing. The Jacks ranked No. 10 in FCS rushing offense (211.5 yards per game). McCormick was named to the All-MVFC Second Team again and earned HERO Sports First Team All-American honors.
McCormick already has two preseason All-American nods this summer on Athlon’s First Team and The Bluebloods’ First Team.
With the likes of Davis, Top 5 FCS tight ends Zach Heins and Tucker Kraft, Top 18 FCS wide receivers Jadon and Jaxon Janke, the No. 7 FCS quarterback Mark Gronowski, and All-American offensive linemen McCormick and Garret Greenfield returning, SDSU’s offense is loaded.
Expectations are high, and we ranked the Jacks No. 2 in our preseason Top 25.
