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.
97: Clay Patterson, DL (Sr.) — Yale
Yale had a stout defense last season, helping the Bulldogs finish 8-2 overall and 6-1 in the Ivy League to win the conference title, its third in the last five seasons. The unit allowed just 19.5 points per game (No. 5 in the FCS) and 105.5 rushing yards per game (No. 7).
A stalwart on the defensive line for the last two years has been Clay Patterson, a two-time All-Conference selection. Patterson’s strength and explosiveness off of the snap have made him a tough man for offensive lines to contain.
He arrived on the scene in 2021 as a sophomore, totaling 44 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, two QB hurries, and one interception.
Patterson earned First Team All-Conference, Associated Press Third Team All-American, and HERO Sports Sophomore All-American honors.
The 6-foot-3, 267-pounder was productive again last season, tallying 25 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, 6.5 sacks, four quarterback hurries, and two pass breakups. Patterson was named on the All-Ivy League Second Team.
Fellow Yale defensive lineman Adam Raine was invited to the Washington Commanders’ rookie minicamp recently. Raine totaled 27 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, and 2.5 sacks in 2022. Patterson eyes his best season yet in a Yale uniform with the ability to get a similar NFL opportunity as Raine.
