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.
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.
His absence last year was noticeable. NDSU went from having the No. 1 FCS scoring defense (11.1 points per game) and the No. 6 rushing defense (87.6 yards per game) in 2021 to the No. 60 rushing defense (156.9) and the No. 9 scoring defense (20.2 PPG).
The Bison now have an experienced front seven coming back. And the defensive tackles should especially be a strength. Mostaert will be alongside his twin brother Will, who started 13 games in 2022. Javier Derritt is a multi-year contributor with 14 starts last year. And Kody Huisman and Jaxon Duttenhefer saw plenty of reps last season as redshirt freshmen.
