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.
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.
The 6-foot-3, 230-pounder is HERO Sports’ No. 5 returning FCS defensive lineman and the No. 4 defensive end.
As a senior, French looks to add to his already productive career of 171 tackles, 38.5 TFLs, and 25 sacks.
