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.
34: David Hoage, OLB (Sr.) — Northern Colorado
Hoage was one of the most dominant defensive FCS players in 2021. Unfortunately, he missed all of 2022 due to injury. But he’s back this fall as an elite edge defender.
Two seasons ago, the 6-foot-3 and 245-pounder racked up 69 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, and eight quarterback hurries. His TFLs ranked first in the Big Sky Conference and third in the FCS. The 10.5 sacks set a program Division I single-season record.
Hoage had an overall PFF defensive grade of 75.4 with an 81.2 run defense grade. He earned Second Team All-Big Sky honors along with All-American accolades from the AP (Third Team), Stats Perform (Third Team), and HERO Sports (Sophomore).
Hoage returns in 2023 with high expectations, looking to remind the FCS how talented he is.
Hoage is No. 6 on HERO Sports’ best returning FCS linebackers ranking.
