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.
34: Ulonzo Gilliam Jr., RB (Sr.) — UC Davis
Gilliam is an all-around elite RB with great vision, elusiveness, cutting ability, strength, and the ability to catch the ball.
Gilliam has been utilized as a premier weapon in UC Davis’ offense since 2018. A two-star recruit out of Merced, California, Gilliam burst onto the scene as a freshman in 2018 when he rushed 186 times for 976 yards and 13 TDs. He also recorded 57 catches for 385 yards and four scores. Gilliam was named to the All-Big Sky Conference Third Team and was a HERO Sports Freshman All-American.
The following season was another special one. Gilliam went for 1,249 yards and 11 TDs on the ground via 243 rushing attempts. Again, his ability to be a threat in the passing game shined with another 57 receptions for 354 yards and one TD. The 5-foot-9, 189-pounder was named to the All-Conference Second Team while earning All-American honors from Stats Perform (Third Team) and HERO Sports (Sophomore).
Gilliam appeared in only three games during the spring due to injury. He rushed for 309 yards and a score on 61 carries and added seven catches for 28 yards and one TD.
Gilliam returned from injury and had another standout season last fall, rushing 201 times for 901 yards and six TDs, plus grabbing 43 receptions for 278 yards and a score. Gilliam was named to the All-Conference First Team. He entered the transfer portal after the season but decided to return to the Aggies, a massive offseason win for UC Davis. He’s within striking distance of breaking the school record in career rushing yards. His 3,435 yards are 155 shy of G.P. Muhammad’s record from 1995-98.
Gilliam was recently named the Big Sky’s Preseason Offensive MVP as he looks to put an exclamation point on the end of an illustrious college career.
