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.
46: Kohner Cullimore, LB (So.) — Southern Utah
Ranked a two-star recruit by 247Sports, Cullimore made an instant splash in his freshman season last year.
In 10 games, he totaled 76 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and four quarterback hurries. The 5-foot-11, 225-pounder recorded seven tackles and a TFL against FBS Utah and had a season-high 15 stops at Abilene Christian.
The 76 stops led the team, earning Cullimore All-WAC First Team honors along with a nod on HERO Sports’ Freshman All-American Team.
Cullimore was also a finalist for the Jerry Rice Award (best FCS freshman), finishing 17th in voting.
SUU was in the middle of the pack defensively last season. The scoring defense ranked No. 61 in the FCS (27.9 points allowed per game), and the rushing defense was No. 51 (153.9 rushing yards allowed per game). The Thunderbirds finished 5-6 overall. Four of their losses were by seven points or less.
Cullimore is back to lead the defense in 2023. And All-Conference quarterback Justin Miller returns to lead the offense after throwing for 2,821 yards, 20 touchdowns, and eight interceptions last fall.
