Welcome to the 2023 FCS Jersey Countdown.
Leading up to Week 0 games on Aug. 26, HERO Sports will name the best returning FCS player by jersey number, 99-0. Because team rosters are updated at different times 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 2022 rosters.
44: Malachi Bailey, DL (Sr.) — Alcorn State
Bailey spent two seasons at Independence Community College before transferring to Alcorn State in 2022. During the 2021 season at Independence, he totaled 32 tackles, three sacks, and seven TFLs.
Bailey made an instant impact at Alcorn last fall, becoming a top defensive lineman in the SWAC.
The 6-foot-2, 260-pounder recorded 36 tackles, 11.5 TFLs, 9.5 sacks, and three quarterback hurries.
Bailey’s overall PFF defensive grade was 75.9, just outside the Top 50 of FCS edge players. His pass-rush grade of 79.7 was inside the Top 40.
He was named on the All-SWAC First Team, a spot Bailey looks to earn again this fall. If how he ended last year is any indication (six tackles, 2.5 sacks against SWAC champ Jackson State), then Bailey’s best football is just getting started.
Bailey is No. 28 on HERO Sports’ best returning FCS defensive linemen ranking.
