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. 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.
Below you will find the running list of players honored.
Note: Jersey numbers are based on 2022 rosters.
99: Nate Lynn, DL (Sr.) — William & Mary
Lynn has developed into a top FCS defensive lineman over the last two seasons.
After being a reserve DL in 2019 and the 2021 spring, Lynn became a breakout star in 2021. He racked up 52 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, and six forced fumbles.
Lynn finished ninth in voting for the 2021 Buck Buchanan Award. He was named to the All-CAA First Team and also earned multiple All-American honors: Associated Press First Team, Stats Perform First Team, Walter Camp Football Foundation First Team, HERO Sports Second Team, and Phil Steele Second Team.
The 6-foot-3, 255-pounder was at it again last fall, totaling 61 tackles, 13 TFLs, eight sacks, 11 quarterback hurries, and four forced fumbles. Lynn garnered All-CAA First Team accolades again while being named a Stats Perform Third Team All-American.
98: Ryan Van Marel, DL (Sr.) — South Dakota State
Van Marel was a big part of the FCS’ best defensive line last season, even if the stats and lack of postseason accolades don’t stand out.
He took on starting duties in 2022, plugging up the middle at defensive tackle for an elite rushing defense. The Jackrabbits led the FCS with 88.1 rush yards allowed per game and 2.84 yards per rush. Van Marel, at 6-foot-4 and 280 pounds, totaled 19 tackles, three tackles for loss, and two sacks.
Van Marel’s physical presence especially can’t be overlooked in how SDSU finished its season.
Montana State came into the semifinal matchup with the No. 1 FCS rushing offense, averaging 332.4 yards per game. SDSU held MSU to 52 yards on 34 carries. North Dakota State then came into the national title game with the No. 3 FCS rushing offense, averaging 273.3 YPG. The Jacks limited NDSU to 160 yards on 37 attempts. Van Marel had a big TFL against the Bison as the Jacks won their first FCS title via a 45-21 win.
97: Clay Patterson, DL (Sr.) — Yale
A stalwart on the defensive line for the last two years has been Clay Patterson, a two-time All-Conference selection. Patterson’s strength and explosiveness off of the snap have made him a tough man for offensive lines to contain.
He arrived on the scene in 2021 as a sophomore, totaling 44 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, two QB hurries, and one interception. Patterson earned First Team All-Conference, Associated Press Third Team All-American, and HERO Sports Sophomore All-American honors.
The 6-foot-3, 267-pounder was productive again last season, tallying 25 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, 6.5 sacks, four quarterback hurries, and two pass breakups. Patterson was named on the All-Ivy League Second Team.
96: Hayden Meacham, TE (Sr.) — Weber State
Meacham is a perfect tight end for Weber State’s offense, a unit that wants to be physical and establish the run while keeping a defense unbalanced with play-action.
Meacham likes to get his hands on defenders as a strong blocking tight end at 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds. He’s also a great receiving threat in the red zone when the defense is more condensed.
The 2021 season saw Meacham more involved in the offense, grabbing 19 catches for 150 yards and four touchdowns. He earned Third Team All-Big Sky honors. Last year, Meacham caught 17 passes for 191 yards and four more scores.
His 2022 PFF grade of 60.6 is the 15th-highest for a returning FCS tight end this season. Expect a strong season as HERO Sports ranks him the No. 20 returning FCS tight end in the country.
95: Sebastian Valdez, DL (Jr.) — Montana State
Valdez has developed into a top interior defensive lineman in the Big Sky Conference and the FCS. And the big man is only halfway through his college career.
As a freshman in 2021, he tallied 38 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. Valdez took on a bigger role in 2022 after the Bobcats lost some standout names on the d-line. He stepped up and delivered.
Valdez was a wrecking ball in the middle, eating up blocks while also having high production for a defensive tackle. He totaled 44 tackles, 10 TFLs, 7.5 sacks, three QB hurries, two passes defended, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. Valdez earned First Team All-Conference honors and was named a HERO Sports Sophomore All-American.
94: Dylan Ruiz, DL (Jr.) — New Hampshire
Ruiz is wearing No. 9 in 2023
As if offenses didn’t have enough on their plates trying to contain UNH’s Josiah Silver, Ruiz emerged as another elite defensive end in 2022.
Entering last year, Silver was coming off of an All-American 2021 season where he racked up 80 tackles, 20.5 TFLs, and 12.5 sacks. Ruiz was an unknown coming into 2022, tallying nine tackles in six games the previous season. But he became a force last fall, forming a dangerous duo on the edges of UNH’s defense.
Ruiz racked up 60 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, seven quarterback hurries, and two forced fumbles. Silver, also just a sophomore in 2022, totaled 55 tackles, 17.5 TFLs, and 8.5 sacks.
The 6-foot-1, 254-pound Ruiz earned All-CAA First Team honors along with All-American accolades from HERO Sports (All-Sophomore Team), the Associated Press (Third Team), The Bluebloods (Second Team), and Phil Steele (Fourth Team).
93: Lucas Hunter, DL (Sr.) — Indiana State
Hunter is a big, strong presence in the middle of Indiana State’s defense. The 6-foot-2, 280-pounder is tough to move, and he can be a big-time disruptor to offenses. He earned the team’s Most Improved Award after the 2021 season where he recorded 23 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks.
Hunter took another step forward in 2022 with 35 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, three quarterback hurries, one sack, and one fumble recovery returned for a touchdown. His best game was against then-No. 1 North Dakota State in a five-point loss, totaling 11 tackles, one TFL, and 0.5 sacks.
In a conference filled with some of the best linemen in the FCS, Hunter earned All-MVFC All-Conference Honorable Mention honors. Hunter’s strength is apparent at the point of contact. He’s also shown some agility in open space, something that can help him make more splash plays in 2023.
92: Chubba Maae, DL (Jr.) — UC Davis
Maae has been a nightmare for Big Sky offenses to block. The 6-foot-2, 347-pounder is a two-time All-Conference selection.
He arrived at UC Davis with high expectations. The three-star recruit from Long Beach, California, chose UC Davis over offers from Colorado State, Nevada, Dartmouth, Georgetown, Idaho State, and Utah Tech.
In his debut season during the 2021 spring, Maae was named the Big Sky’s Co-Freshman of the Year and earned Second Team All-Conference accolades. In five games, he totaled 12 tackles and one TFL.
The 2021 fall season saw Maae tally 20 tackles and three TFLs. Last year, he recorded 12 tackles, two TFLs, and one sack, earning Third Team All-Big Sky honors. Maae’s 2022 PFF grade of 71.7 was highlighted by his 77.3 run defense grade.
His stats may not catch one’s eye, but Maae’s presence certainly impacts what an offense can do in its run game.
91: Will Mostaert, DL (Sr.) — North Dakota State
Mostaert is a well-known name for NDSU’s defensive front in recent years. Twins Will and Eli have been key pieces to the Bison’s d-line.
Will played in 14 of 15 games with one start at defensive end in 2021, recording 11 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. He took on a new role in 2022, moving from backup DE to starting defensive tackle.
Mostaert went from 6-foot-2 and 248 pounds in 2021 to 260 pounds in 2022. He’s listed on the 2023 roster at 269 pounds.
From his interior DL spot last season, Mostaert tallied 33 tackles, four TFLs, 1.5 sacks, five quarterback hurries, and a defensive touchdown. He graded out on PFF at 73.2 with a run-defense grade of 76.0.
Mostaert’s play earned him All-MVFC Honorable Mention honors.
90: Finn Claypool, DL (So.) — Drake
Claypool was a breakout star in 2022, becoming one of the more feared defensive players in the Pioneer Football League and a top young player in the FCS.
The 6-foot-1, 240-pounder racked up 48 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, eight sacks, and 11 quarterback hurries. He was productive against Drake’s top opponents, recording a TFL against North Dakota State, a sack against Idaho, and a season-high seven total tackles against PFL champ St. Thomas.
Claypool’s overall defensive grade on PFF of 92.2 was the second-highest among FCS edge defenders, trailing Central Arkansas’ David Walker (92.9). He has a special gift of getting after the quarterback, and his pass rush grade of 93.3 was No. 1 in the FCS. Even with more attention on him, Claypool was dominant down the stretch, totaling 8.5 TFLs in the last three games and four sacks.
Claypool was named the Pioneer Football League Freshman Defensive Player of the Year and earned a spot on the All-Conference First Team. He also garnered HERO Sports Freshman All-American honors and finished 13th in voting for the Jerry Rice Award, given to the best FCS freshman.
89: Efton Chism III, WR (Jr.) — Eastern Washington
One-handed catches, acrobatic catches, diving catches, hurdling defenders, spinning off would-be tacklers, explosive kick returns … Chism has been a highlight-reel-machine for EWU’s offense.
A three-star recruit out of Monroe, Washington, in the class of 2020, Chism chose EWU over offers from Air Force, Georgetown, Idaho, Idaho State, Montana State, and Northern Colorado.
The 6-foot, 200-pounder became a go-to target for the Eagles two seasons ago, catching 57 passes for 735 yards and nine TDs. Chism earned All-Big Sky Conference Third Team honors and was named a HERO Sports Freshman All-American.
Last year, Chism added 62 catches for 607 yards and six touchdowns, once again getting named to the All-Conference Third Team.
88: Tyler Neville, TE (Sr.) — Harvard
Neville has gone through an incredible level of adversity in his life, but he hasn’t let that stop him from accomplishing his goals and making an impact on and off the field.
Neville was ranked a three-star recruit with 18 FCS offers and 11 FBS offers, according to 247Sports.
He chose Harvard, and he developed into a breakout player for the Crimson last season as a junior. Cancer-free and standing at a strong 6-foot-4 and 235 pounds, Neville caught 26 passes for 302 yards and four touchdowns. He earned First Team All-Ivy League honors.
87: Zach Heins, TE (Sr.) — South Dakota State
Heins is a massive target for SDSU at 6-foot-7 and 260 pounds. He is one of several standout Jackrabbits from last season’s national championship team returning for their extra year/sixth season.
During the 2021 spring season, Heins caught 12 passes for 200 yards, averaging 16.7 yards per catch to earn All-MVFC First Team honors. In the 2021 fall, he recorded 24 receptions for 232 yards and six touchdowns. Heins was named an All-MVFC Honorable Mention.
Last season, Heins tallied 29 catches for 347 yards and four TDs. He became a three-time All-Conference selection with Second Team honors.
86: DJ Stevens, TE (Sr.) — Jackson State
Stevens was a breakout player for the 2022 JSU offense that ranked No. 7 in FCS scoring (37.7 points per game).
The 6-foot-4, 235-pound tight end caught 37 passes for 376 yards and four touchdowns. His 37 receptions were the third most for the Tigers. Stevens was a reliable and consistent target, catching at least one pass in all 13 games and at least two passes in the final six games, including a touchdown catch in the Celebration Bowl.
Stevens earned All-SWAC Second Team accolades. And he’s expected to have an even bigger role in 2023. JSU will have a new starting quarterback this fall, and the Tigers also lost their top four wide receivers from 2022. Stevens should get plenty of targets.
85: Isaiah Gerena, TE (Jr.) — Northern Arizona
Gerena is wearing No. 88 this season
Gerena was a great transfer portal get for NAU last offseason. He arrived from Morgan State, where Gerena earned 2021 All-MEAC Second Team honors.
Already loaded with talented WRs, the Lumberjacks landed a tight end who is a threat as a pass-catcher and an extension of the offensive line in the running game.
In his debut season at NAU, Gerena caught 27 passes for 232 yards and two touchdowns. The 6-foot-4, 245-pounder had the fifth most catches and was the top tight end on a team that finished No. 19 in FCS passing offense (266.4 yards per game).
84: Kyle Lepkowski, TE (Sr.) — New Hampshire
After a solid 2021 season that featured 25 receptions for 297 yards and a touchdown, Lepkowski turned into a key target for UNH’s offense in 2022.
The 6-foot-4, 256-pounder finished second on the team with 542 receiving yards and third with 42 catches while having two receiving TDs. He caught the game-winning touchdown in a huge 42-41 overtime win over Maine a day before Selection Sunday, solidifying UNH’s spot in the playoffs as the Wildcats hit their eighth D1 win.
Lepkowski’s overall PFF offensive grade of 69.1 ranked No. 25 among FCS tight ends in 2022, and his receiving grade of 76.0 ranked No. 16.
83: Nicholas Dobson, TE (Jr.) — North Carolina A&T
Dobson is an underrated piece of NC A&T’s offense.
He helped pave the way for running back Bhayshul Tuten, who finished ninth in FCS rushing yards (1,363) and sixth in rushing yards per game (123.9). Dobson has also been a reliable weapon in the passing game when targeted, even though those targets have been limited.
Dobson made the most of those limited targets as a freshman in 2021, catching four passes for 42 yards and three touchdowns. Last season, he added 11 catches for 125 yards and one touchdown.
The 6-foot-3, 245-pounder was graded highly by PFF last year. Dobson’s overall offensive grade of 69.8 was No. 22 among FCS tight ends, while his receiving grade of 74.5 was No. 18.
82: Sergio Morancy, WR (Jr.) — Northern Iowa
UNI will own one of the most explosive passing attacks in the FCS this fall, led by top-tier quarterback Theo Day and an array of weapons. Three of UNI’s top four wide receivers return from last year (Sam Schnee, Sergio Morancy, and Logan Wolf) along with its top tight end (Alex Allen).
Morancy looks to take on an even bigger role after a breakout sophomore season that saw him finish third on the team in catches (26) and receiving yards (510) while having a team-high six receiving touchdowns. He is a big target (6-foot-3, 185 pounds) who can stretch a defense vertically. Morancy’s speed is a dangerous combination with Day’s cannon of a right arm.
Morancy has delivered on big expectations after arriving at UNI from Naples, Florida as a three-star recruit. He chose the Panthers over offers from App State, Cincinnati, Coastal Carolina, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, Kentucky, Toledo, Tulane, USF, Virginia, and Wake Forest, according to 247Sports. He saw action in seven games in 2021 before becoming an impact player last fall.
81: DJ Nelson, TE (So.) — UT Martin
Nelson is wearing No. 13 this fall
Nelson has quickly become one of the best tight ends in the FCS.
After redshirting in 2021, he had a fantastic 2022 season. Nelson caught 21 passes for 267 yards and six touchdowns, getting named to the All-OVC First Team and the OVC All-Newcomer team. He also earned Freshman All-American honors from HERO Sports and Phil Steele.
His size and athleticism (he was a standout quarterback and pass-catcher in high school) have proven to be a problem for defenses. The 6-foot-5, 230-pounder looks to up his game even more as a sophomore, getting ranked No. 10 on our best returning FCS tight ends.
80: Hayden Hatten, WR (Jr.) — Idaho
Hatten is the best wide receiver in the FCS and one of the best dominant outside weapons in all of college football.
His ability to create separation, make contested catches, and/or use the sideline makes Hatten a nightmare to defend on fade routes. Any ball thrown his way there’s a good chance Hatten is coming down with it.
Hatten arrived at Idaho as a three-star tight end from Scottsdale, Arizona. After appearing in 12 games with three starts in 2019, he moved to wide receiver for the 2021 spring season. Hatten thrived, catching 43 passes for 613 yards and three touchdowns in only six games. He was named to the All-Big Sky First Team and earned HERO Sports Sophomore All-American honors.
The 6-foot-2, 205-pounder was expected to have another great season in the 2021 fall, but he was limited to just four games.
He came back better than ever last year. Hatten racked up 83 catches, 1,209 yards, and 16 TDs, finishing fifth in FCS receiving yards and second in receiving touchdowns. Hatten’s PFF grade in 2022 was 91.8, which is the second-highest among returning FCS WRs.
Hatten received five different All-American accolades and was named on the All-Big Sky First Team.
79: Noah Atagi, OL (Sr.) — Weber State
Atagi enters his sixth season at Weber State and his fifth season as a starter.
Not many college football players can say they’re a four-time First Team All-Conference selection, but Atagi looks to accomplish this feat in 2023. He started 14 games in 2019 as a redshirt freshman. Atagi has since earned three straight All-Big Sky First Team honors. The left tackle has added 2021 HERO Sports Sophomore All-American and 2022 Stats Perform and Phil Steele All-American accolades.
Atagi’s physicality sets the tone for an offense that wants to run the ball. He’s also viewed as a leader for the program as a three-time captain.
Atagi is a legacy name for Weber State football. His father Miller played for the Wildcats from 1990-93, and his brother Ethan is another member of Weber’s starting offensive line. Noah is 6-foot-6 and 335 pounds. Ethan is 6-foot-5 and 360 pounds, earning All-Big Sky Third Team honors last year.
78: Lorenzo Thompson, OL (Sr.) — Rhode Island
Thompson enters his fourth season as Rhody’s starting left tackle.
He was a big part of a talented o-line in 2022 that also featured Ajani Cornelius and Nick Correia. Cornelius transferred to Oregon this offseason. Correia is ranked HERO Sports’ No. 4 returning FCS offensive lineman, and Thompson is ranked No. 24.
Last season, Thompson earned Third Team All-CAA honors as the Rams ranked third in the conference in scoring (30.6 points per game). The 6-foot-7 and 295-pounder was the No. 11 PFF-graded FCS offensive tackle (77.4), highlighted by his 81.0 pass block grade.
In 403 pass snaps, Thompson allowed just four sacks and three quarterback hits, owning an overall pass-blocking efficiency of 96.9.
77: Tyler McLellan, OL (Sr.) — Campbell
McLellan is a mountain of a man at 6-foot-8 and 355 pounds. He’s a three-time All-Big South selection at right tackle and is eyeing a healthy final season at Campbell in 2023.
His college career spans back to 2017 when McLellan redshirted. He missed 2018 due to injury, then started 26 straight games from 2019-2021. McLellan earned Second Team All-Big South accolades in 2019 and 2020-21 before being named to the First Team in 2021. Last season he appeared in only four games.
With his size and play, McLellan has attracted NFL attention. He had a PFF pass-blocking grade of 75.1 in 749 snaps during the 2021 season, allowing only two sacks and nine hurries. Last year, McLellan had an 80.0 pass-blocking grade in 245 snaps, allowing no sacks and two hurries. In 1,402 career snaps recorded by PFF, McLellan has allowed just five total sacks with an overall pass-blocking efficiency of 98.0.
76: Jackson Slater, OL (Jr.) — Sacramento State
Slater has been an instant impact player for Sac State as a two-year starter in two seasons on campus.
A three-star recruit from Bellevue, Washington, Slater started the final nine games of his 2021 debut season at left guard. Last year, he started all 11 regular-season games at left guard and then had to move to starting left tackle for the two playoff games.
The 6-foot-4, 303-pounder earned 2022 First Team All-Big Sky honors and was named a HERO Sports Sophomore All-American, an Associated Press Third Team All-American, and a Phil Steele Fourth Team All-American.
In 506 pass-blocking snaps recorded on PFF, Slater allowed just two sacks and 11 hurries, owning a pass-blocking efficiency of 98.1. His overall PFF pass-blocking grade was 77.9.
75: Nick Correia, OL (Sr.) — Rhode Island
Correia has the size of a tackle with the pulling ability of a guard. He’s a scary site blocking out in space and is an FCS standout with NFL potential.
The 6-foot-6, 330-pounder is a four-year starter at right guard for Rhody. Now a sixth-year senior, Correia is coming off back-to-back All-CAA seasons (2021 Second Team, 2022 First Team).
Last year, Correia had a PFF pass-blocking grade of 77.7. In 403 pass-blocking snaps recorded on PFF, he allowed only one sack and five hurries, owning a 98.9 pass-blocking efficiency.
74: Garret Greenfield, OL (Sr.) — South Dakota State
Last season was expected to be the last for Greenfield. But during the playoffs, Greenfield and fellow All-American SDSU offensive lineman Mason McCormick announced they will return in 2023 and use their sixth years of eligibility. Improving their NFL Draft stock was one reason for the decision. Now Greenfield and McCormick look to run back having the best FCS offensive line as the unit remains fully intact and to win another national title.
The 6-foot-6, 305-pound tackle is a three-year starter, a two-time All-MVFC First Team selection, and earned six different All-American accolades in the 2021 spring season with four more All-American honors in 2022.
Greenfield had an overall PFF pass-blocking grade of 80.4 last season, including an 85.9 grade vs. Montana State in the semifinals and 87.5 vs. North Dakota State in the championship game. In 419 pass-blocking reps, he allowed only two sacks and nine hurries, earning an efficiency rating of 98.1.
73: Mason Miller, OL (Sr.) — North Dakota State
Miller enters his second full season as a starter on NDSU’s offensive line.
He got his first collegiate start as a true freshman at right tackle in the spring quarterfinal game at Sam Houston. During the 2021 fall season, Miller was a key part of the OL rotation before hitting the starting lineup again last year. The 6-foot-7, 296-pounder had to replace NFL Draft pick Cordell Volson at RT. Miller filled that spot solidly, starting the first 10 games until a leg injury ended his season.
In those 10 starts, Miller had the 20th-best PFF grade for an FCS offensive tackle (75.1). His run-blocking grade of 76.9 was the 10th best, and it is the No. 6 grade for a 2023 returning FCS OT.
Miller’s PFF pass-blocking grade was 74.2. In 180 pass-blocking reps recorded by PFF, Miller allowed one sack and five hurries for an efficiency rating of 97.7.
72: Jalen Sundell, OL (Sr.) — North Dakota State
Sundell was in his third season as NDSU’s starting center last fall until a foot injury five games in ended his year. He returns in 2023 as a sixth-year senior and a valuable, versatile member of the o-line.
NDSU loses its two best offensive linemen Nash Jensen and Cody Mauch to the NFL. But the Bison have five players back who started multiple games due to injuries to the unit last year. Sundell could be a good candidate to move to guard or tackle at 6-foot-5 and 298 pounds. That’s an easy move NDSU can make with Brandon Westberg returning, who started the final 10 games at center in 2022 on top of four starts the previous fall.
Sundell’s play at center has been key as well, though.
In the five games last season, Sundell had an overall PFF grade of 77.3, which was No. 4 among FCS centers. In 91 pass-blocking reps recorded by PFF, Sundell allowed no sacks, no hits, and no hurries for an efficiency rating of 100.
71: Luke Newman, OL (Sr.) — Holy Cross
Newman is one of the very best at his position in the subdivision, ranking No. 2 on HERO Sports’ top FCS returning offensive linemen list.
The 6-foot-5, 301-pounder is a two-year starter at Holy Cross. He’s earned All-Patriot League First Team honors in both of those seasons. Newman has also been named a 2021 HERO Sports Sophomore All-American and was a multi-time All-American last year by Stats Perform (First Team), The Bluebloods (Second Team), and the Associated Press (Third Team).
Newman had an overall PFF offensive grade of 79.0 in 2022, which was No. 8 among FCS offensive tackles and is the third-highest for a returning FCS tackle. His pass-blocking grade was 72.0, and Newman’s run-blocking grade of 80.6 ranked No. 6 for FCS OTs.
In 349 pass-blocking reps recorded on PFF, Newman had a 96.8 efficiency with five sacks allowed, zero hits, and 11 hurries. The year prior, Newman allowed one sack, no hits, and five hurries in 357 pass-blocking reps for a 99.0 efficiency.
70: Christian Coulter, OL (Sr.) — Western Carolina
Coulter has started all 22 games since transferring from Tusculum before the 2021 season.
He helped WCU set a single-season school record of 5,339 yards of total offense last year. The 6-foot-5, 320-pound right tackle had a PFF overall offensive grade of 71.9 and a pass-blocking grade of 72.2. His 71.9 grade is just inside the Top 20 for returning FCS offensive tackles.
In 498 pass-blocking reps last year recorded by PFF, Coulter allowed three sacks, one hit, and 11 hurries for a 98.1 efficiency. The year prior, he allowed five sacks, one hit, and 21 hurries in 521 pass-blocking reps for a 96.8 efficiency.
69: Ryan Coll, OL (Sr.) — Richmond
Ranked the No. 14 OL recruit by HERO Sports in the class of 2019, he made an immediate impact as a true freshman offensive lineman/tight end hybrid. Coll started seven games at TE before moving full-time to OL the following season in the 2021 spring. Coll was slotted at left guard, but a leg injury in the opener ended his season. Coll returned to the lineup in the 2021 fall and started six games. Then last year, Coll made the move to left tackle and developed into a standout player. He started all 13 games, helping the Spiders rank No. 4 in CAA scoring offense.
Coll had an offensive grade of 70.0 on PFF with a pass-blocking grade of 73.9. In 592 pass-blocking reps recorded by PFF, he allowed four sacks, two hits, and 18 hurries for a 97.6 efficiency. Five of those hurries came in Game 1 vs. Virginia as Coll was still settling into his new position. He then had six games throughout the season with a 99.0 or 100.0 pass-blocking efficiency.
Coll was named on the All-CAA First Team and earned Second Team AP All-American honors.
The 6-foot-5, 324-pounder’s size and play have caught the eye of NFL scouts and all-star game directors.
68: Omar Aigbedion, OL (So.) — Montana State
Aigbedion was a crucial part of MSU’s rushing attack last year after transferring in from Army Prep. The 6-foot-3, 300-pound freshman played 424 snaps in 13 total game appearances and three starts.
“We really like his strength and aggressiveness as an interior offensive lineman,” head coach Brent Vigen said when MSU signed Aigbedion.
That strength and aggressiveness helped the Bobcats and their new-look o-line rank No. 2 in FCS rushing offense (311.9 yards per game) and No. 3 in scoring offense (42.9 points per game).
Aigbedion had the highest PFF offensive grade for an FCS offensive guard (84.7). His 88.2 run-blocking grade was also No. 1. The 84.7 overall grade is the highest among all returning 2023 FCS offensive linemen.
67: Jose Vazquez IV, OL (Sr.) — Indiana State
Vazquez is a three-year starter on the offensive line for Indiana State. The 6-foot-3, 320-pound right guard had a strong 2022 campaign, earning All-MVFC Honorable Mention accolades.
He posted an average grade of 88.7% during the season, which increased to 89.5% in Valley play. Vazquez allowed just 1.5 sacks and three quarterback hurries.
Vazquez opened lanes for 900-yard running back Justin Dinka. He also provided protection for quarterback Cade Chambers, who was named the MVFC Freshman of the Year after throwing for 938 yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions while rushing for four TDs.
66: Ethan Atagi, OL (Sr.) — Weber State
Ethan joins his brother Noah Atagi on the Jersey Countdown.
They are part of a big and experienced offensive line in 2023. The unit returns three All-Big Sky selections: Noah (6’6” 335 lbs), Ethan (6’5” 360 lbs), and Jordan Lutui (6’4” 330 lbs). Damon Bankston is back at running back to lead the strong rushing attack after rushing for 709 yards and eight touchdowns.
Noah is a three-time All-Conference First Team selection and a two-year All-American. Ethan took over the starting center spot last year, earning All-Conference Third Team honors.
Ethan has played in 25 games for the Wildcats since transferring from BYU in 2020. He has added to the Atagi legacy name for Weber State football as his father Miller played for the Wildcats from 1990-93.
65: Jordan Ford, OL (Sr.) — UC Davis
Ford enters his sixth season at UC Davis and his fifth as a starter. The 6-foot-2, 273-pound guard is a three-time All-Big Sky selection.
He earned All-Conference Honorable Mention accolades in 2019 as a redshirt freshman. Ford was then named to the Second Team in the 2021 spring and in 2022.
UC Davis finished No. 24 in FCS rushing offense last year (191.5 yards per game) and No. 15 in scoring (35.9 points per game).
Ford’s 2022 PFF offensive grade of 71.8 was No. 21 among FCS offensive guards, highlighted by his pass-blocking grade of 79.6. In 412 pass-blocking reps, he allowed just one sack and two hurries for an efficiency of 99.5.
In 1,088 career pass-blocking reps recorded by PFF, Ford has allowed two sacks, one hit, and seven hurries for a 99.4 career efficiency.
64: Reid Williams, OL (Jr.) — Chattanooga
Despite losing three starters from the 2021 offensive line, the Mocs still had a strong ground game last year, highlighted by Ailym Ford hitting 1,000 yards rushing for the third season.
Williams stepping into a starting role played a big part in that success as he started four games at center and four more at left guard. He was solid in pass protection as well, allowing only one sack and four hits in 228 pass-blocking reps.
The 6-foot-1, 295-pounder was named a HERO Sports Sophomore All-American and on the All-SoCon Second Team.
63: Rush Reimer, OL (Jr.) — Montana State
Reimer was a critical part of MSU’s successful 2022 season. After starting four games at right tackle in 2021, he stepped into the full-time starting role at left tackle last year.
He led a young offensive line that turned into a top-tier unit in the country, helping the Bobcats rank No. 2 in FCS rushing offense (311.9 yards per game) and No. 3 in scoring offense (42.9 points per game).
Reimer, who is now 6-foot-5 and 309 pounds, had a PFF offensive grade of 74.5, and his run-blocking grade was 76.0. He was named a HERO Sports Sophomore All-American, Stats Perform Third Team All-American, and Second Team All-Big Sky Conference.
62: Jabari Brooks, OL (Sr.) — Samford
Brooks is part of a strong cast of returning starters for a Samford offense that scored 32.8 points per game (No. 27 in the FCS) and threw for 304.4 yards per game (No. 6). Three starting offensive linemen are back along with Samford’s No. 1 and No. 3 wide receivers, its leading rusher, and arguably the top returning quarterback in the FCS Michael Hiers.
Brooks’ standout play on the o-line for the last two years has been honored by the SoCon in back-to-back seasons. He was named on the 2021 All-Freshman Team after playing in all 11 games and starting the final seven at left guard.
He made the move to center last fall. Brooks provided protection for Hiers’ All-American season, owning a pass-blocking grade of 78.3 on PFF. The 6-foot-3, 342-pounder earned Second Team All-Conference accolades.
61: Hunter Mayginnes, OL (Sr.) — Montana
Mayginnes has brought a nastiness to Montana’s offensive line in his two seasons with the Griz.
A three-star high school recruit out of Arizona, Mayginnes began his college career at Washington State from 2018-2020. He transferred to Montana before the 2021 fall season and earned a starting spot at guard. Mayginnes was named Third Team All-Big Sky for his play.
Last year, Mayginnes had another standout season and was named on the All-Conference First Team as Montana averaged 36.2 points per game (No. 12 in the FCS).
Mayginnes had a PFF run-blocking grade of 57.8 and a pass-blocking grade of 85.5. In 474 pass-blocking reps, he allowed zero sacks, two hits, and five hurries for a 99.2 efficiency.
60: Mason McCormick, OL (Sr.) — South Dakota State
After winning the 2022 FCS national title in dominant fashion, SDSU now returns all five starting offensive linemen, including two of the very best in the subdivision. McCormick is No. 1 on HERO Sports’ best returning FCS offensive linemen ranking, and Greenfield is No. 3.
McCormick is a tone-setter at his guard position. He is a three-year starter, a three-time All-MVFC selection, and has earned All-American honors three straight years.
The 6-foot-4, 305-pounder is known as a mauler, but he’s arguably even better in pass protection. McCormick had the second-highest PFF grade for an FCS offensive guard last year with an 80.8. His pass-blocking grade was 84.2, and his run-blocking grade was 80.2. In 1,229 career pass-blocking reps recorded by PFF, McCormick has allowed only three sacks, five hits, and 18 hurries for a career efficiency of 98.8.
59: Nathan Mejia, OL (So.) — Sacramento State
Sac State finished No. 7 in FCS rushing offense last year, averaging 243.3 yards per game en route to a 12-1 overall record.
Four full-time starters are back on that offensive line: Nathan Mejia (6’3″ 295 lbs), Jackson Slater (6’4″ 303 lbs), Troy Stiefel (6’5″ 290 lbs), and Ivan Garza (6’5″ 290 lbs). Kenndel Riley (6’3″ 320 lbs) also returns after getting two starts in the playoffs.
Mejia, Slater, and Stiefel were All-Big Sky selections last year. Mejia (Second Team All-Conference) was also named a HERO Sports Freshman All-American, and Slater earned FCS All-American honors.
Mejia manned the middle of the o-line, starting all 13 games at center as a second-year freshman. The three-star high school recruit didn’t take long to make an impact.
His 69.7 PFF offensive grade ranked No. 24 among FCS centers. Mejia had a pass-blocking grade of 70.0 and a run-blocking grade of 69.3. In 500 pass-blocking reps recorded by PFF, he allowed zero sacks, one hit, and 13 hurries for a 98.5 efficiency.
58: Chris Noble, OL (Sr.) — Samford
Noble has started on Samford’s offensive line the last two seasons after transferring from UAB. He played left tackle in 2021 before moving to left guard in 2022.
The 6-foot-4, 287-pounder protected All-American quarterback Michael Hiers as the Bulldogs ranked No. 6 in FCS passing offense last fall (304.4 yards per game).
Noble owned a PFF pass-blocking grade of 77.5. In 600 pass-blocking reps, he allowed two sacks, four hits, and 12 hurries for an efficiency of 98.3.
57: Lewis Matthews, LB (Sr.) — Grambling State
Matthews has gone from a walk-on to one of the best defenders in the SWAC.
His breakout season came in 2022, racking up 103 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and two sacks. His 9.3 tackles per game tied for the 27th most in the FCS, and it ranked No. 2 in the conference.
Matthews had a PFF overall defensive grade of 82.2. He was solid defending the run and the pass with an 83.0 run defense grade and a 78.8 coverage grade. The 5-foot-11, 220-pounder was named to the All-SWAC Second Team. His 82.2 grade is the 15th highest for a returning FCS linebacker.
56: Zack Gieg, OL (Sr.) — SEMO
Gieg has been a standout center in the last two seasons for SEMO’s strong rushing attack. A two-star high school recruit from Morgan Hill, California, Gieg spent two years at Fresno State before transferring to SEMO before the 2021 season.
He started 10 games in 2021, earning First Team All-OVC honors.
Last year, the 6-foot-1, 287-pounder became known as not only the best center in his conference but the best center in the FCS. Gieg won the FCS Rimington Award, which goes to the nation’s top center. He also earned All-American accolades from Stats Perform (Second Team) and Phil Steele (Third Team) while adding another First Team All-OVC honor.
Gieg has helped RB Geno Hess to consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and anchored the o-line for a unit that owned the No. 16 FCS scoring offense last year (35.6 points per game) and No. 13 FCS rushing offense (225.6 YPG).
Gieg’s 75.1 PFF offensive grade was No. 5 among FCS centers, and his 80.2 run-blocking grade was No. 2.
55: Jacob Johanning, OL (Sr.) — Furman
Johanning has logged 30 career starts on Furman’s offensive line. He showed his promise early by being named to the 2020 Southern Conference All-Freshman Team. Then last season, Johanning hit another level.
The 6-foot-3, 276-pounder owned an overall PFF grade of 70.5, which was No. 30 among FCS offensive guards. His 86.9 pass-blocking grade ranked No. 6. In 471 pass-blocking reps recorded by PFF, he allowed just one sack and five hurries for a 99.2 efficiency.
Johanning was a consensus First Team All-SoCon selection by head coaches and media. He also earned Second Team AFCA All-American honors.
54: Jaison Williams, OL (Jr.) — Youngstown State
Williams has been a versatile standout on YSU’s offensive line.
He started seven games in the 2021 spring season at left guard, left tackle, and right tackle. In the 2021 fall, he started 10 games, splitting them between right guard and right tackle. Last year, the big man held down the right tackle spot with 10 starts.
The 6-foot-4, 298-pounder has earned back-to-back Honorable Mention All-MVFC honors, plus 2022 HERO Sports Sophomore All-American accolades.
Last year, his overall PFF grade of 79.6 ranked No. 7 among FCS offensive tackles, including a 75.1 pass-blocking grade and a 78.6 run-blocking grade. In 295 pass-blocking reps recorded by PFF, he allowed one sack, four hits, and seven hurries for a 97.7 efficiency.
53: Eli Mostaert, DL (Sr.) — North Dakota State
Mostaert was eyeing a huge 2022 campaign as a preseason All-American. But he suffered a broken fibula in the second game of the year, which sidelined him until the FCS championship.
The 6-foot-3, 286-pounder returns this fall as the Bison run defense also looks to get stronger.
A two-star high school recruit, Mostaert chose NDSU over offers from Air Force, Northern Iowa, South Dakota, South Dakota State, and Western Illinois, according to 247Sports.
As a redshirt freshman in the 2020-21 season, Mostaert tallied 34 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks. He earned HERO Sports Freshman All-American, All-MVFC Honorable Mention, and MVFC All-Newcomer Team honors.
Mostaert put together another standout season in the 2021 fall, totaling 44 tackles, 10 TFLs, and 7.5 sacks. He was named Honorable Mention All-Conference and a HERO Sports Sophomore All-American. He had a PFF defensive grade of 80.2 with a run-defense grade of 72.5 and an 86.4 pass-rushing grade.
52: Chandler Kirton, OL (So.) — Austin Peay
Kirton emerged in a big way last year for an Austin Peay offense that scored 31.5 points per game, which ranked No. 33 in the FCS.
The 6-foot, 289-pounder held down the starting right guard spot as a redshirt freshman. Kirton helped the Governors to the No. 26 FCS rushing offense (189.3 yards per game) and helped protect standout quarterback Mike DiLiello (2,447 yards passing, 21 TDs, 11 interceptions; 238 yards rushing, eight TDs).
In 390 pass-blocking reps recorded by PFF, Kirton allowed three sacks, four hits, and seven hurries for a 97.7 efficiency.
Kirton was named on the All-ASUN Conference Team and a HERO Sports Freshman All-American.
51: Nate Leskovec, DL (Sr.) — Harvard
Leskovec was a three-star high school recruit by 247Sports and was the No. 3 signee in Brian McLaughlin’s HERO Sports 2019 FCS recruiting rankings.
He chose Harvard over FBS offers from Boston College, Ball State, Bowling Green, Cincinnati, Kent State, Northwestern, Ohio, Pitt, Purdue, Syracuse, Toledo, Wake Forest, and West Virginia, according to 247Sports.
Leskovec has delivered big seasons in the last two years. The 6-foot-3, 251-pounder totaled 37 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and six quarterback hurries in 2021, earning Second Team All-Ivy League honors.
Last season saw 36 tackles, 10 TFLs, 4.5 sacks, and five QB hurries. Leskovec was named Honorable Mention All-Ivy by the conference and earned First Team All-Conference honors from Phil Steele.
50: Thor Griffith, DL (Sr.) — Harvard
Griffith is ranked HERO Sports’ best returning FCS defensive tackle entering 2023.
The 6-foot-2, 305-pounder shows off great strength on the interior of the defensive line. Not only can he eat up blocks and disrupt what an offense wants to do, but he can also produce those flashy stats.
Griffith is a two-time All-Ivy League selection, earning 2021 Third Team and 2022 First Team honors.
In 2021, Griffith tallied 31 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and five sacks. Last season, he totaled 46 tackles, 12 TFLs, five sacks, and three quarterback hurries.
Griffith’s 90.5 PFF overall defensive grade was No. 1 among FCS interior defensive linemen, and his 92.6 run defense grade also topped the subdivision.
49: Brock Mogensen, LB (Sr.) — South Dakota
Mogensen has lived up to his high-profile recruitment. He arrived at USD as a two-star prospect out of Farmington, Minnesota. He’s since been a four-year starter and a two-time Second Team All-MVFC honoree.
The 6-foot-2, 230-pounder tallied 56 tackles during his debut season in 2019. In four games during the 2021 spring, he had 38 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, and one interception to earn Second Team All-Conference accolades.
Mogensen added 86 tackles, six TFLs, and one sack in the 2021 fall. And last year as a team captain, he racked up 106 tackles and 1.5 TFLs. The 106 stops were tied for the 21st most in the FCS. Mogensen picked up All-MVFC Second Team honors again.
48: James Conway, LB (Jr.) — Fordham
Just two years into college football, Conway already has 257 career tackles. His impact for the Rams was immediate as a true freshman in 2021.
Conway totaled 130 tackles, five tackles for loss, one interception, and four forced fumbles. His 11.9 tackles per game led the Patriot League and ranked second in the FCS. Conway earned HERO Sports Freshman All-American honors, was named on the All-Patriot League Second Team, and finished fifth in voting for the Jerry Rice Award (best FCS freshman).
Last season saw Conway rack up 127 tackles, 11 TFLs, three sacks, and three passes defended. He earned All-Conference First Team and HERO Sports Sophomore All-American honors.
Conway is on pace for 500+ career tackles, where he could flirt with the FCS record that is held by Illinois State’s Boomer Grigsby (550 career tackles from 2001-04).
47: Ty French, DE (Sr.) — Gardner-Webb
A three-star recruit from Moultrie, Georgia, and rated as the No. 114 outside linebacker in the Class of 2020, French has lived up to the hype with a dynamic career for the Runnin’ Bulldogs.
It began in the 2020-21 season when he was named the Big South Defensive Freshman of the Year and a Freshman All-American. French totaled 35 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and four sacks in only four games.
In his first full season during the 2021 fall, French posted 61 tackles, 14.5 TFLs, and 8.5 sacks. He was named on the All-Conference First Team and a Sophomore All-American.
French’s year-to-year strides continued last season. He racked up 75 tackles, 16 TFLs, 12.5 sacks, and 15 QB hurries. The awards stacked up again, including All-American honors from the Associated Press and Stats Perform, First Team All-Conference, Big South Defensive Player of the Year, and sixth in voting for the Buck Buchanan Award.
46: Kohner Cullimore, LB (So.) — Southern Utah
Ranked a two-star recruit by 247Sports, Cullimore made an instant splash in his freshman season last year.
In 10 games, he totaled 76 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and four quarterback hurries. The 5-foot-11, 225-pounder recorded seven tackles and a TFL against FBS Utah and had a season-high 15 stops at Abilene Christian.
The 76 stops led the team, earning Cullimore All-WAC First Team honors along with a nod on HERO Sports’ Freshman All-American Team.
Cullimore was also a finalist for the Jerry Rice Award (best FCS freshman), finishing 17th in voting.
45: Colin Bohanek, LB (Jr.) — Southern Illinois
Bohanek is wearing No. 16 this fall.
Bohanek was a big transfer portal pickup this offseason for SIU. He arrives after three standout seasons at Eastern Illinois.
A 6-foot, 225-pound physical middle linebacker, Bohanek totaled 200 career tackles in 28 games at EIU, including 19 tackles for loss, five sacks, three interceptions, eight passes defended, and five forced fumbles.
He recorded 40 tackles in six games during the 2020-21 season. In 2021, Bohanek racked up 89 stops. And last year, he earned All-OVC Second Team honors with 71 tackles, six TFLs, and two interceptions.
Bohanek is one of five FCS transfers heading to SIU this offseason, including his EIU teammates RB Jaelin Benefield and DE Tim Varga. The Salukis also brought in six FBS transfers.
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.
43: Braden Gilby, LB (Sr.) — Furman
Gilby enters his sixth year at Furman and his fifth season as a starter. The 6-foot-2, 237-pound linebacker has 263 career tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, six passes defended, and six forced fumbles.
A 2019 SoCon All-Freshman Team selection, Gilby tallied 70 stops. He added 36 tackles in seven games during the 2020-21 season. In 2021, Gilby totaled 59 stops. And last season, he racked up 94 tackles, 15 TFLs, and four sacks.
He had a 2022 PFF defensive grade of 78.1, which was inside the Top 45 among FCS linebackers. Gilby’s run defense grade was 82.1 (inside the Top 35 among FCS linebackers). He missed only 9.5% of his tackle opportunities, per PFF.
Gilby was voted Second Team All-SoCon by the media.
42: William McRainey, LB (Sr.) — Gardner-Webb
McRainey has been in the starting lineup since his true freshman season in 2020-21, where he started all four games and totaled 20 tackles.
He became a top linebacker in the Big South over the last two seasons, earning back-to-back First Team All-Conference honors.
In 2021, McRainey led the Big South and finished No. 15 in the FCS with 109 total tackles, including 13 tackles for loss, three sacks, three passes defended, and two forced fumbles. McRainey earned HERO Sports Sophomore All-American honors.
Last season, the 6-foot and 217-pounder tallied 111 stops, 10 TFLs, 6.5 sacks, one interception, three passes defended, one forced fumble, and three fumble recoveries.
McRainey made impact plays all over the field. And he graded out solidly on PFF. McRainey’s overall defensive grade was 76.9. He owned a run-defense grade of 73.1 and a tackling grade of 80.9. McRainey missed just 9.2% of his tackle opportunities.
41: Mike DeNucci, LB (Sr.) — Lehigh
DeNucci was one of the most productive and highly-graded FCS linebackers in 2022.
After starting seven games in 2021 and totaling 38 tackles, four tackles for loss, and two sacks, he exploded last season.
The 6-foot, 230-pounder racked up 93 tackles, 16.5 TFLs, 8.5 sacks, and two pass breakups. Some of his best games were against Lehigh’s top competition: nine tackles vs. ranked Richmond, 11 tackles and three sacks at Princeton, eight tackles and two sacks vs. ranked Fordham, and seven tackles and two TFLs at ranked Holy Cross.
DeNucci earned Second Team All-Patriot League honors. Per PFF, DeNucci’s overall defensive grade was 82.5 with a run-defense grade of 81.6, a pass-rush grade of 81.7, and a 70.7 coverage grade. His 82.5 grade is the 12th-highest for a returning FCS linebacker.
40: Macklin Ayers, LB (Sr.) — Dartmouth
Ayers was a breakout player for Dartmouth’s 2022 strong defense. He finished second on the team with 80 total tackles, and he did it in just eight games.
He has good size at 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds. Ayers turned into a tackling machine last fall, averaging 10 tackles per game, which led the Ivy League and ranked No. 13 in the FCS.
Per PFF, Ayers missed only 8.8% of his tackle opportunities. He earned Phil Steele Second Team All-Conference accolades for his play.
Ayers also earned team honors, sharing the Stubbie Pearson Award with Jace Henry. This is presented to an underclassman on the football team whose character, leadership on campus, high academic standing, and performance on the playing field most resembles that of Charles “Stubbie” Pearson ’42.
39: Ryan Toscano, LB (Jr.) — New Hampshire
Toscano has had back-to-back productive seasons for UNH’s defense.
As a redshirt freshman in 2021, he totaled 67 tackles, three tackles for loss, and two passes defended.
Last season, the 6-foot, 221-pounder flew around and made plays to the tune of 72 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, and six passes defended. Toscano had a PFF tackling grade of 73.5, missing just 9.8% of his tackle opportunities.
UNH’s defense is highlighted by the All-American defensive end duo of Dylan Ruiz and Josiah Silver. But Toscano was the team leader in tackles last fall. He looks to lead the unit again and earn postseason accolades for his play in 2023.
38: Abraham Williams, CB/KR (Jr.) — Weber State
Williams is wearing No. 4 this fall.
Williams is a cornerback, but he’s so far made his name known as an elite returner.
Just a sophomore last fall, he was a consensus All-American kick returner and First Team All-Big Sky selection.
Williams set an FCS record with four 100-yard kickoff return touchdowns. He led the FCS in yards per kick return, averaging an incredible 37.4 yards (24 returns for 898 yards).
37: Alex Schmoke, K (Sr.) — Delaware
Delaware picked up two big FCS transfer specialists this offseason: kicker Alex Schmoke from Saint Francis, and punter Ryan Kost from Monmouth.
Kost was a First Team All-CAA selection in 2022.
Schmoke comes to Delaware as a two-time All-NEC First Team kicker at Saint Francis. He was a 2021 HERO Sports Freshman All-American and a 2022 Sophomore All-American.
In 2021, he made 15-of-17 field goals, including six of 40+ yards with a season-high 47-yarder. Schmoke also hit 25-of-27 PATs. Last season, he connected on 18-of-22 field goals and 48-of-52 PATs. Schmoke hit a season-long of 50 yards. And he tied a single-season Saint Francis record with 18 made field goals and was second in single-season program history with 102 total points scored.
36: Levi Janacaro, LB (Sr.) — Montana
Janacaro is wearing No. 37 this fall.
Janacaro looks primed to be the next standout Montana linebacker. He’s also next to wear the No. 37 jersey, a prideful tradition where a Montana-born player passes the jersey number down to another Montana-born player after graduating.
Last season, Janacaro recorded 87 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, six quarterback hurries, one pass breakup, and one forced fumble. He finished third on the team in tackles and is the leading returning tackler for this fall.
The 6-foot and 237-pounder, a Missoula native, will be a key player for the Griz. They lose their top two tacklers and three All-Americans from last year’s defense that allowed 21.3 points per game (No. 18 in the FCS).
35: Braxton Hill, LB (Sr.) — Montana
Hill is Montana’s third-leading returning tackler in 2023. He’s expected to form a solid linebacking duo alongside Levi Janacaro.
Last season, the 6-foot-2, 226-pounder totaled 66 tackles, five tackles for loss, three sacks, and three pass breakups. In the season-opener against Northwestern State, Hill was named the Big Sky Defensive Player of the Week after tallying 10 tackles, 1.5 TFLs, and 0.5 sacks.
An Anaconda, Montana native, Hill should see a breakout senior season for the Grizzlies, who rely on their linebackers to be one of the most disruptive FCS defenses.
34: David Hoage, OLB (Sr.) — Northern Colorado
Hoage was one of the most dominant defensive FCS players in 2021. Unfortunately, he missed all of 2022 due to injury. But he’s back this fall as an elite edge defender.
Two seasons ago, the 6-foot-3 and 245-pounder racked up 69 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, and eight quarterback hurries. His TFLs ranked first in the Big Sky Conference and third in the FCS. The 10.5 sacks set a program Division I single-season record.
Hoage had an overall PFF defensive grade of 75.4 with an 81.2 run defense grade. He earned Second Team All-Big Sky honors along with All-American accolades from the AP (Third Team), Stats Perform (Third Team), and HERO Sports (Sophomore).
Hoage returns in 2023 with high expectations, looking to remind the FCS how talented he is.
33: Kayvon Britten, RB (Jr.) — Tarleton State
Britten wore No. 33 last year at Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
Britten was a great get for Tarleton out of the transfer portal. He joins a backfield that already has 2022 1,000-yard rusher Derrel Kelley III.
Last season at Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Britten enjoyed a breakout year. He rushed 199 times for 1,063 yards and 16 touchdowns in 11 games, adding 36 receptions for 149 yards. His 16 rushing TDs led the SWAC and were the fifth most in the FCS. The 5-foot-7, 195-pounder had an overall PFF offensive grade of 84.7, which was No. 20 among FCS running backs. And his 91.4 rushing grade ranked No. 7. Britten was named First Team All-SWAC and a HERO Sports Sophomore All-American.
Tarleton now has two 1,000-yard rushers on the roster, and its two leading receivers are back in Darius Cooper (54 catches, 1,063 yards, nine TDs) and Jaden Smith (48 catches, 822 yards, 10 TDs).
32: Adam Bock, LB (Sr.) — South Dakota State
Bock has led a top FCS defense for the last three seasons. A multi-time All-American and a back-to-back All-MVFC First Team selection, the 6-foot-1, 215-pounder is nearing 300 career tackles.
In the 2021 spring season, Bock recorded 74 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks in 10 games. That fall, he exploded for 125 tackles, 9.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, two interceptions, eight passes defended, and two forced fumbles. Last season, Bock missed four games due to injury but still tallied 76 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, and four sacks. He owned an overall PFF defensive grade of 80.3.
SDSU looks to repeat as FCS champs and own the No. 1 run defense again after allowing 88.1 yards per game. Bock is a 2023 preseason All-American and is HERO Sports’ No. 2 returning FCS linebacker.
31: Brent Jackson, DB (Sr.) — Rhode Island
Jackson is a graduate transfer from Bucknell, where he started two seasons at safety and earned 2022 All-Patriot League Second Team honors.
The 6-foot-2, 205-pounder was a flat-out playmaker last year. Jackson racked up 111 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, two forced fumbles, four interceptions, and 11 pass breakups. Jackson had an overall PFF grade of 90.5, which was the second-highest for an FCS safety.
He will be an impact player for Rhody, a squad trying to get past the playoff bubble hurdle. Jackson is our No. 8 best returning FCS safety.
30: Tristan Wheeler, LB (Sr.) — Richmond
Wheeler is a tackling machine, and he now eyes being an incredible five-year All-American and five-time All-CAA selection.
The 6-foot-2 and 228-pounder has 366 career tackles, 23 tackles for loss, four sacks, and four interceptions. He has three 100-tackle seasons in three full fall schedules: 104 in 2019, 114 in 2021, and 110 last year.
Wheeler is No. 5 in HERO Sports’ best returning FCS linebackers ranking.
29: Isaiah Smith, RB (Jr.) — North Dakota
Most of these selections are for guys coming off All-Conference or All-American seasons. But sometimes we project ahead. That’s the case with Smith, who has been very explosive in his somewhat limited touches so far and who expects to have a breakout season in 2023.
The 6-foot, 200-pounder rushed 61 times for 447 yards and four touchdowns last year, averaging 7.3 yards per carry. He also recorded 24 catches for 306 yards and three scores. As a redshirt freshman in 2021, he averaged 6.8 yards per carry with 52 rushes for 356 yards and two TDs.
Smith was second in carries and rushing yards for UND last fall. Leading rusher Tyler Hoosman (176 carries, 1,023 yards, 12 TDs) has graduated. Smith now looks poised to increase his touches and go over the 1,000 total yards mark.
28: Anthony Woods, RB (So.) — Idaho
Woods is wearing No. 5 this fall.
While Idaho’s passing attack got plenty of deserved praise last year, Woods was another player who shined.
A three-star recruit, Woods made an impact as a true freshman in 2022. The 5-foot-11, 185-pounder led Idaho with 149 carries for 872 yards and three touchdowns. Woods earned All-Big Sky Second Team and HERO Sports Freshman All-American honors.
Balance is always key for an offense, even when you have 2022 Jerry Rice Award winner Gevani McCoy returning at QB along with two 1,000-yard WRs Hayden Hatten and Jermaine Jackson. Woods adds another dimension for defenses to focus on, and his promising career is just getting started.
27: Jacob Dobbs, LB (Sr.) — Holy Cross
Dobbs was one of the most dominant FCS defenders in 2021, but his 2022 was cut to only four games due to injury.
The 2021 season saw Dobbs tally 137 tackles, 17.5 TFLs, 9.5 sacks, six quarterback hurries, and three pass breakups. The 6-foot, 237-pounder earned several All-American honors, adding to his list of postseason accolades. In four games during the shortened 2021 spring season, he had 41 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, and one sack to earn Sophomore All-American honors. And as a freshman All-American during his debut season in 2019, Dobbs totaled 93 tackles, seven sacks, and 12 tackles for loss.
Dobbs is a top-tier returning FCS linebacker this fall.
26: Damon Bankston, RB (Jr.) — Weber State
Bankston is wearing No. 1 this fall.
Bankston is taking on an even bigger role for Weber’s offense in 2023. He’s the top returning rusher from a year ago, finishing second for the Wildcats with 709 rushing yards on 126 carries plus a team-high eight rushing touchdowns.
He earned Honorable Mention All-Big Sky Conference honors as a true sophomore.
Weber lost last year’s top rusher Dontae McMillan to the FBS. Bankston is now expected to have a big junior season and lead that rushing attack. He’ll run behind a massive offensive line that returns three All-Big Sky performers.
25: Jalen Jones, DB (So.) — William & Mary
Jones is wearing No. 2 this fall.
Jones had a breakout redshirt freshman season last year. The 6-foot cornerback totaled 24 tackles, one tackle for loss, four interceptions, and eight pass breakups.
His overall PFF defensive grade of 81.6 ranked No. 19 among FCS cornerbacks, featuring a coverage grade of 80.7.
Jones racked up the postseason accolades. He was named the CAA Defensive Rookie of the Year along with All-Conference Second Team honors. And he was named a HERO Sports Freshman All-American while finishing eighth in Jerry Rice Award voting, which goes to the best FCS freshman.
24: Cally Chizik, DB (Sr.) — Furman
Chizik plays a CB/NB hybrid for Furman’s defense and is taking on the SPUR position in 2023.
The 5-foot-9, 183-pounder had an under-the-radar season last year, totaling 29 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions, and nine passes defended. His 84.8 overall PFF defensive grade ranked No. 7 among FCS cornerbacks, and his 88.8 coverage grade was No. 5.
Football is in Chizik’s blood. His father Gene is currently an assistant head coach at North Carolina who won a national championship in 2010 as Auburn’s head coach. Cally is part of a 2023 Furman defense that returns 10 starters after owning the No. 10 FCS scoring defense last year, allowing 20.2 points per game.
23: Jordan Fuller, RB (Jr.) — Holy Cross
Fuller has been a touchdown machine in his first two seasons at Holy Cross.
The 6-foot, 231-pounder rushed for nine touchdowns on only 48 carries in 2021. Last season, he ran 111 times for 536 yards and 13 TDs to be named on the All-Patriot League Second Team. His physical rushing presence helped take HC’s offense to the next level, scoring 37.38 points per game.
Holy Cross had two 1,000-yard rushers last fall in running back Peter Oliver and quarterback Matthew Sluka. Oliver has exhausted his eligibility, but Sluka returns, making Fuller that next great 1-2 punch in the run game. He already had a team-high in rushing scores, but expect Fuller to increase his workload even more in 2023.
22: Isaiah Davis, RB (Sr.) — South Dakota State
Davis is ranked our No. 1 best returning FCS running back. He’s also considered a top RB in all of college football, as The Athletic’s Dane Brugler ranks Davis the No. 2 senior RB prospect for the 2024 NFL Draft.
The 6-foot-1, 220-pounder broke onto the scene as a freshman in the 2021 spring, rushing for 818 yards and 10 touchdowns on just 85 carries. That fall, he ran 95 times for 701 yards and seven TDs. And last season as SDSU’s feature back, Davis had 249 attempts for 1,451 yards and 15 TDs.
With SDSU’s entire starting offensive line back, Davis will go off again this fall. He looks primed to be the next NFL Draft pick for the Jackrabbits.
21: Andreas Keaton, DB (Jr.) — Western Carolina
Keaton is a standout safety for WCU and has had a major impact in his first two seasons on campus.
In 2021, he totaled 45 tackles, three interceptions, and nine passes defended, earning the Southern Conference Freshman of the Year award. Last season, the 6-foot-2 and 200-pounder racked up 72 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, and seven passes defended. Keaton had a PFF tackling grade of 84.0, missing only 6.8% of his tackle opportunities.
Keaton was named to the 2022 All-SoCon Second Team. And he is voted onto the Preseason All-Conference First Team by the league’s head coaches entering this fall.
20: Jaden Shirden, RB (Jr.) — Monmouth
Shirden became a star last season at Monmouth. He led the FCS in rushing yards (1,722), yards per carry (8.36), and rushing yards per game (156.5). The 5-foot-9, 195-pounder had explosive carry after explosive carry, and eight of his 13 rushing touchdowns were 50-plus-yard runs.
The CAA Offensive Player of the Year was also named to seven different All-American teams. Shirden finished third in voting for the Walter Payton Award, the highest for a non-quarterback.
He enters this fall as No. 2 on HERO Sports’ best returning FCS running backs ranking.
19: Rayjuon Pringle, WR (Sr.) — Villanova
Pringle looks to end his Nova career as a three-time All-CAA selection. The 2023 graduate student has been an impact player since playing in eight games as a true freshman in 2019.
During the 2021 shortened spring season, he was named to the All-Conference Second Team after recording 17 catches for 245 yards and two touchdowns in four games. In the 2021 fall, the 5-foot-9, 195-pounder recorded 41 catches for a team-high 843 yards and eight scores, earning All-CAA Second Team accolades again.
Last season saw a slight dip in production with 28 catches for 432 yards and five TDs. But alongside last year’s leading receiver Jaaron Hayek, Pringle eyes an explosive final season in QB Connor Watkins’ second year as a starter.
18: Parker McKinney, QB (Sr.) — Eastern Kentucky
McKinney returns as a sixth-year senior and his fifth season starting, already owning several EKU career records.
The 6-foot-3, 208-pounder has 9,718 career passing yards, 74 touchdowns, and 32 interceptions, plus 1,446 rushing yards and 20 TDs. Last season, McKinney went 315/459 passing (69%) for 3,956 yards, 33 TDs, and eight interceptions. He added 354 yards rushing and eight TDs.
McKinney will be a strong candidate for the 2023 Walter Payton Award as he racks up plenty more postseason conference and All-American accolades.
17: Dylan Wudke, DL (Sr.) — Youngstown State
Wudke is a major part of YSU’s stout defensive line that helped the Penguins to the No. 22 FCS rush defense last year. The 6-foot-4, 265-pounder will be in his fourth season as a starter this fall.
Wudke is coming off his best season, totaling 43 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and five sacks. His 84.9 overall PFF defensive grade ranked No. 12 among FCS edge defenders. Wudke’s play earned him All-MVFC Second Team honors.
HERO Sports ranks Wudke as the No. 13 returning FCS defensive end and the No. 20 overall defensive lineman.
16: Marshel Martin, TE (Sr.) — Sacramento State
Martin is the top returning tight end in the FCS. The 6-foot-2 and 230-pounder has been a standout since 2019, where as a Freshman All-American and Second Team All-Big Sky selection, he caught 39 passes for 550 yards and seven touchdowns.
After COVID canceled Sac State’s season in 2020, Martin came back stronger in 2021 with 53 receptions for 649 yards and six scores. His growth continued last season, recording 65 receptions for 879 yards and 12 scores.
He was last year’s highest-graded FCS tight end on PFF (88.4). Martin has earned back-to-back All-Conference First Team honors and has been named to five different All-American teams in the last two seasons.
15: Kameron Brown, DB (Sr.) — Chattanooga
Brown had a breakout season last year, earning several postseason accolades.
The 5-foot-8, 178-pound cornerback tallied 29 tackles, two tackles for loss, six interceptions returned for 110 yards, and 11 passes defended. The six interceptions tied for the second-most in the FCS. He was named on the All-SoCon First Team along with All-American accolades from The Bluebloods (First Team) and the AP (Second Team).
HERO Sports ranks Brown as the No. 6 returning cornerback in the FCS.
14: Steven Parker, DL (Sr.) — Incarnate Word
Parker is wearing No. 0 this fall.
Parker is the lone returning All-Southland Conference player for UIW in 2023. He’ll play a major part in the Cardinals reloading again.
The 6-foot-4, 237-pound defensive end transferred to UIW from Kansas in 2022. Parker had an immediate impact, totaling 48 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and five quarterback hurries. The former 4-star HS recruit owned an 81.9 PFF overall defensive grade, which ranked No. 21 among FCS edge defenders. His 87.8 pass-rush grade ranked No. 10. Parker earned First Team All-Conference honors.
HERO Sports ranks Parker as the No. 21 returning defensive lineman in the FCS and the No. 14 returning defensive end.
13: Ty James, WR (Sr.) — Mercer
A three-star high school recruit, James began his college career at Georgia. He transferred to Mercer before the 2020-21 season and instantly became an elite target.
He’s been Mercer’s top WR in all three seasons. James caught 30 passes for 518 yards and three TDs in 2020-21, had 26 catches for 611 yards and seven scores in 2021, and racked up 52 receptions for 1,105 yards and 13 TDs last season. His 2022 PFF overall offensive grade of 92.2 was the highest among all FBS and FCS wide receivers, as was his 92.4 receiving grade.
The 6-foot-2, 200-pounder is a next-level talent. He ranks No. 17 on Josh Buchanan’s small-school prospects for the 2024 NFL Draft.
12: Theo Day, QB (Sr.) — Northern Iowa
Day has arguably the best arm in the FCS, and he’s picking up several preseason All-American honors to recognize his talent.
The 6-foot-5, 231-pounder can sling it. Ranked a 4-star high school recruit and the No. 7 pro-style QB recruit in the nation by 247Sports, Day began his career at Michigan State. He then transferred to UNI in 2021 and threw for 2,316 yards, 16 TDs, and 11 interceptions, getting named to the MVFC All-Newcomer Team.
Last season, Day passed for 3,121 yards, 26 TDs, and six interceptions on 210/323 throwing (65%). Day also added four rushing scores and was named to the All-Conference First Team. His PFF offensive grade of 93.7 and his passing grade of 93.9 led all FBS and FCS quarterbacks.
11: Mark Gronowski, QB (Jr.) — South Dakota State
Just a junior and in two seasons, Gronowski has a 22-1 record vs. FCS opponents as a full-game starter with two national championship game appearances and one natty ring.
He led SDSU to the spring national title game as a true freshman, throwing for 1,565 yards, 15 TDs, and three interceptions, plus 577 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. A knee injury early in the championship game sidelined him for the 2021 fall season.
Gronowski returned last year, helping the Jackrabbits win their first FCS title. Gronowski, who is 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, went 232/356 (65%) for 2,967 yards, 26 TDs, and five interceptions as a sophomore in 2022. He also rushed for 408 yards and 12 TDs.
10: Michael Hiers, QB (Sr.) — Samford
Hiers is picking up numerous accolades as a top-tier returning FCS QB.
He finished fourth in the 2022 Walter Payton Award voting after transferring from Northwest Mississippi Community College. Hiers led an up-tempo offense, completing 77% of his passes (353/461) for 3,544 yards, 36 touchdowns, and four interceptions while adding three rushing TDs.
Hiers threw for more than 300 yards twice and more than 400 yards two more times in the final five regular-season games as Samford completed an undefeated regular season vs. FCS opponents.
9: Matthew Sluka, QB (Sr.) — Holy Cross
Sluka, a 6-foot-3 and 215-pound senior, has gone from Patriot League Rookie of the Year to Second Team All-Conference to First Team All-Conference last year.
The dual-threat QB showed off an improved arm last year. In 2021, Sluka threw for 1,512 yards, 11 touchdowns, and five interceptions while running for 868 yards and 14 TDs. Last season, he threw for 2,489 yards, 26 TDs, and four interceptions with 1,234 rushing yards and 11 more scores.
He’ll be in the conversation for the Walter Payton Award if his career progression continues to rise as a senior.
8: John Pius, OLB (Jr.) — William & Mary
Pius is a top defensive player in the FCS, eyeing an even more dominant season.
The 6-foot-2, 235-pounder was a breakout star in 2022. He absolutely wreaked havoc, totaling 72 tackles, 19 TFLs, 11.5 sacks, 12 quarterback hurries, and 12 pass breakups. Pius loaded up on postseason accolades.
He was named the CAA Defensive Player of the Year along with All-Conference First Team honors, he earned seven different First Team All-American honors, and he finished second in voting for the Buck Buchanan Award.
7: Lawrence Johnson, DB (Sr.) — SEMO
Johnson is HERO Sports’ No. 2 returning FCS safety. A starter since 2019, he broke through for a dynamic 2022 season.
His productive year saw 86 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, four sacks, one interception, and nine passes defended. The 6-foot, 205-pounder earned First Team All-OVC honors along with All-American accolades from the American Football Coaches Association (Second Team), Stats Perform (Third Team), and Phil Steele (Third Team).
Johnson’s PFF overall defensive grade of 83.0 ranked No. 17 among FCS safeties, and his 93.0 rush-defense grade tied for No. 1.
6: Geno Hess, RB (Sr.) — SEMO
Hess continues his standout SEMO career for a sixth season this fall.
He has had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons while owning a career total of 4,112 rushing yards and 53 rushing touchdowns. Last season, the 5-foot-8, 225-pounder rushed 236 times for an FCS-high 21 TDs and 1,691 yards, which was No. 2 in the FCS. Hess had the No. 4 overall PFF offensive grade among FCS RBs with a 91.1, while his 94.1 rushing grade tied at No. 1.
Hess finished fifth in the 2022 Walter Payton Award voting. The First Team All-OVC selection also earned All-American honors from the Associated Press (First Team), American Football Coaches Association (First Team), Stats Perform (Second Team), Phil Steele (Second Team), and The Bluebloods (First Team).
5: DyShawn Gales, DB (Sr.) — South Dakota State
Gales is picking up multiple preseason All-American accolades as a top returning cornerback in the FCS. The 5-foot-11 and 190-pounder enters his third season as a full-time starter.
Last year, Gales totaled 31 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one sack, four interceptions, and 10 passes defended, earning All-MVFC First Team honors. In 49 career games, he has 111 tackles, 9.5 TFLs, one sack, seven picks, and 25 passes defended.
He graded out well on PFF, too. Gales’ 84.4 overall defensive grade ranked No. 8 among FCS cornerbacks in 2022, highlighted by his 85.4 coverage grade.
4: Tommy Mellott, QB (Jr.) — Montana State
In 16 career starts and as just a junior in 2023, Mellott already has five playoff wins, an FCS title game appearance, and back-to-back semifinal appearances. He has lost to an FCS opponent as a full-game starter only once (last season’s semifinal loss at SDSU).
After taking the FCS by storm in the 2021 playoffs, Mellott continued to be a top dual-threat QB in the subdivision last year despite battling some injuries. He went 128/210 passing for 1,698 yards, 10 TDs, and four interceptions. Mellott also ran 167 times for 1,061 yards and 13 scores.
The 6-foot, 209-pounder was named to the All-Big Sky Second Team and earned HERO Sports Sophomore All-American honors.
3: Maxwell Anderson, DB (Sr.) — Weber State
Anderson is HERO Sports’ No. 1 returning FCS cornerback.
He is coming off of a breakout season where the 5-foot-11, 170-pounder recorded 44 tackles, five interceptions, and 11 pass breakups. Anderson’s overall PFF defensive grade was 83.0 (No. 13 among FCS CBs), and his coverage grade was 81.0. He showed the ability to cover receivers on the outside or as a slot corner, playing 574 snaps as the wide CB and 218 snaps as a slot CB.
Anderson earned First Team All-Big Sky honors along with All-American accolades from HERO Sports (First Team), The Bluebloods (First Team), the Associated Press (First Team), and Stats Perform (Third Team).
2: Javan Morgan, DB (Sr.) — Florida A&M
Morgan is a top-tier cornerback in the FCS and is getting some NFL prospect attention this summer.
Last season as an All-SWAC Second Team selection, the 5-foot-11 and 185-pounder had 42 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, four interceptions, and eight passes defended.
Production is one thing, but the measurables and physical attributes are what make the NFL Draft analysts even more intrigued. The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman named Morgan on his College Football Freaks List because Morgan has clocked a 4.38 40-yard dash, had a 10-10 broad jump, a 40-inch vertical, a 4.12 pro agility time, and did 6.95 in the L-drill. He also power-cleaned 335 pounds and squatted 540 pounds. Morgan was also recently named to the 2024 Reese’s Senior Bowl Watchlist.
1: Devron Harper, WR (Sr.) — Mercer
The 5-foot-9, 175-pounder is electric with the ball in his hands, making plays on an FCS field since 2019 when he had 51 receptions for 653 yards and four touchdowns at Gardner-Webb.
In the 2020-21 season where he was limited to four games, he had 16 catches for 171 yards in his first year at Mercer. Harper made a bigger impact in the 2021 fall, totaling 872 all-purpose yards.
Last season, he exploded with 1,878 all-purpose yards and 16 total touchdowns. Harper caught 78 passes for 987 yards and 10 TDs, rushed for 199 yards and four TDs, recorded 528 yards and a TD on 18 kick returns, and returned 10 punts for 169 yards and a touchdown.
0: David Walker, DL (Jr.) — Central Arkansas
Walker is wearing No. 8 this fall.
Walker was an absolute force last season after transferring to UCA from D2 Southern Arkansas University. The 6-foot-3, 265-pound sophomore racked up 66 tackles, 22 TFLs, 12 sacks, and three QB hurries from his DE position.
Walker received plenty of postseason recognition, including seven different All-American honors, the ASUN Defensive Player of the Year, and finishing third in the Buck Buchanan Award voting.
Walker’s production and awards were backed by his PFF grades, ranking No. 1 among FCS edge defenders in overall defense (92.9) and run defense (91.9), while his pass rush grade of 91.5 was No. 4. He is ranked HERO Sports’ No. 1 returning FCS DL.
