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.
87: Noah Gindorff, TE (Sr.) — North Dakota State
An FCS program having multiple NFL Draft picks in one year doesn’t happen often. But at NDSU, it’s becoming the norm.
NDSU had two draft picks in 2021 — QB Trey Lance in the 1st round and OL Dillon Radunz in the 3rd. The Bison had two more this year — WR Christian Watson in the 2nd and OL Cordell Volson in the 4th.
In 2023, three Bison are already on the draft radar — TE Noah Gindorff, FB Hunter Luepke, and OL Cody Mauch.
In fact, Gindorff was on the 2022 draft radar and was prepared for the 2021 fall season to be his final one at NDSU after being recognized on Senior Day. He received an invite to the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, and Draft Scout had him as a projected seventh-rounder. But plans changed after he got rolled up on in the second-round win against Southern Illinois, fracturing his fibula. His diagnosis resulted in Gindorff deciding to use his available extra year of eligibility and play one more year in Fargo.
It will be his sixth season at NDSU.
A three-star recruit out of Minnesota who had offers from NDSU, North Dakota, Northern Iowa, South Dakota, South Dakota State, Wyoming, and Minnesota, Gindorff chose the Bison and developed for two years. He had a breakout 2019 season that saw him emerge as a great red zone threat. He caught 10 passes for 170 yards and tied for the team lead with six touchdowns.
In the 2020-21 season, Gindorff was named to the All-MVFC Second Team after catching 11 passes for 85 yards and three TDs.
Last fall, Gindorff recorded 17 receptions for 193 yards and two TDs. He was an All-MVFC Honorable Mention selection and 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.
And when targeted, Gindorff can make big plays with his size and athleticism.
