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.
98: Perry Ganci, DL (Jr.) — Nicholls
Ganci has developed into a physical force on the Nicholls defensive line.
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.
Starting 11 games in 2019 and all seven in the 2021 spring, Ganci’s best games early in his career came against the top opponents — a season-high five tackles against North Dakota State in the 2019 playoffs and five tackles against eventual national champs Sam Houston in the spring.
He took his play to a new level last season.
Ganci totaled 34 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, and two quarterback hurries. His 2.5 TFLs and 1.5 sacks helped Nicholls beat No. 12 SLU in the regular-season finale, shaking up the playoff picture and knocking the Lions out of the seeding conversation.
Ganci earned First Team All-Southland Conference honors for his play.
Nicholls finished 6-5 last season. The Colonels expect to be in the playoff hunt in 2022, but begin the season against two FBS opponents — South Alabama and ULM. It’s a chance for them to pull off an upset to get back into the Top 25 discussion. And it’s also a chance for Ganci to show off his talent from an individual perspective after combining for eight tackles, one TFL, and one QB hurry against Memphis and Louisiana last year.
