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
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
After finishing 12-3 last season with the No. 4 FCS rushing offense (265.7 yards per game), the Bison lose their best two offensive linemen Nash Jensen and Cody Mauch to the NFL, All-American FB/RB/TE Hunter Luepke to the NFL, and their leading rusher Kobe Johnson to Colorado State. But with five players across the o-line back with starting experience, plus RB TaMerik Williams (702 rushing yards, 8 TDs), NDSU still looks to own a top rushing attack in the subdivision. And the Bison have one of the best run-blocking tackles in Miller.
