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.
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.
Dobson is now a proven veteran for NC A&T. With many of the top contributors offensively no longer on the roster, including Tuten transferring to Virginia Tech, look for Dobson to be a bigger part of the offense in 2023.
