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
75: Nick Correia, OL (Sr.) — Rhode Island
Correia has the size of a tackle with the pulling ability of a guard. He’s a scary site blocking out in space and is an FCS standout with NFL potential.
The 6-foot-6, 330-pounder is a four-year starter at right guard for Rhody. Now a sixth-year senior, Correia is coming off back-to-back All-CAA seasons (2021 Second Team, 2022 First Team).
Last year, Correia had a PFF pass-blocking grade of 77.7. In 403 pass-blocking snaps recorded on PFF, he allowed only one sack and five hurries, owning a 98.9 pass-blocking efficiency.
Correia eyes another dominant season in 2023 before turning his attention to the pros. HERO Sports ranks him the No. 4 returning FCS offensive lineman.
“Honestly, a guy with that size and quickness just needs to fine tune a few things,” former Rhode Island offensive line coach Stefan Wheeler told the Nantucket Current. “I know he trains like a beast; and with one more year at URI, he’s going to get looks from NFL teams – no doubt about it.”
Rhody has been left on the playoff bubble and out of the bracket the last two seasons, finishing 7-4 in 2021 and 2022. Last year, the Rams beat CAA playoff participant Elon, lost to playoff participant New Hampshire by three points on a controversial call, and lost to quarterfinalist William & Mary by one point. With plenty of returning talent back, led by seventh-year quarterback Kasim Hill, OL Lorenzo Thompson, and Correia, the Rams look to get over that playoff hump this fall.
They are ranked No. 25 in HERO Sports’ FCS Preseason Top 25.
