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.
99: Nate Lynn, DL (Sr.) — William & Mary
Lynn has developed into a top FCS defensive lineman over the last two seasons.
After being a reserve DL in 2019 and the 2021 spring, Lynn became a breakout star in 2021. He racked up 52 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, and six forced fumbles.
Lynn finished ninth in voting for the 2021 Buck Buchanan Award. He was named to the All-CAA First Team and also earned multiple All-American honors: Associated Press First Team, Stats Perform First Team, Walter Camp Football Foundation First Team, HERO Sports Second Team, and Phil Steele Second Team.
The 6-foot-3, 255-pounder was at it again last fall, totaling 61 tackles, 13 TFLs, eight sacks, 11 quarterback hurries, and four forced fumbles. Lynn garnered All-CAA First Team accolades again while being named a Stats Perform Third Team All-American.
Lynn’s array of pass-rushing moves makes him a menace to block 1-on-1. The problem with sliding protection to his side is William & Mary also has John Pius coming off of the edge. Pius saw his own breakout season last year with 72 tackles, 19 TFLs, and 11.5 sacks.
Pius and Lynn are both back in 2023.
Lynn has produced against FBS opponents as well. In 2021 vs. Virginia, he had seven tackles, one TFL, and one sack. And in a 41-24 win over Charlotte last fall, he recorded six tackles, 2.5 TFLs, and 1.5 sacks.
The Tribe finished 11-2 last season, advancing to the quarterfinals. The fantastic season ended in a dud, losing 55-7 at Montana State. Although Lynn had a strong game, totaling six tackles, three TFLs, and two sacks.
W&M has high expectations entering 2023 and will likely be preseason ranked somewhere in the Top 8. The No. 3 FCS rushing offense (265.8 YPG) brings back an experienced o-line and its top three rushers (including starting QB Darius Wilson). Defensively, nine of the top 11 tacklers return, led by the dynamic duo of Pius and Lynn.
