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
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.
In 192 pass-blocking reps during the 2021 season, he allowed 1 sack, 1 hit, and 1 hurry (98.9 efficiency). And in 218 pass-blocking reps during the 2020-21 season, Sundell allowed no sacks, no hits, and five hurries (98.8 efficiency).
The Bison finished 12-3 last season with the No. 4 FCS rushing offense (265.7 yards per game). Even with Jensen and Mauch in the NFL, All-American FB/RB/TE Hunter Luepke in the NFL, and leading rusher Kobe Johnson transferring to Colorado State, NDSU still expects to have a top rushing attack in the FCS.
Sundell, wherever he lines up, will be a big part in that as HERO Sports’ No. 12 returning FCS offensive lineman.
