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
56: Zack Gieg, OL (Sr.) — SEMO
Gieg has been a standout center in the last two seasons for SEMO’s strong rushing attack. A two-star high school recruit from Morgan Hill, California, Gieg spent two years at Fresno State before transferring to SEMO before the 2021 season.
He started 10 games in 2021, earning First Team All-OVC honors.
Last year, the 6-foot-1, 287-pounder became known as not only the best center in his conference but the best center in the FCS. Gieg won the FCS Rimington Award, which goes to the nation’s top center. He also earned All-American accolades from Stats Perform (Second Team) and Phil Steele (Third Team) while adding another First Team All-OVC honor.
Gieg has helped RB Geno Hess to consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and anchored the o-line for a unit that owned the No. 16 FCS scoring offense last year (35.6 points per game) and No. 13 FCS rushing offense (225.6 YPG).
Gieg’s 75.1 PFF offensive grade was No. 5 among FCS centers, and his 80.2 run-blocking grade was No. 2.
SEMO’s offense returns six starters, including Hess, starting QB Paxton DeLaurent, and No. 1 WR Ryan Flournoy. Gieg’s leadership will be key as the Redhawks have a couple of All-Conference offensive linemen to replace.
Gieg is No. 8 on HERO Sports’ best returning FCS offensive linemen ranking, and SEMO ranks No. 11 in our FCS Preseason Top 25.
