Welcome to Year 7 of the FCS Jersey Countdown.
HERO Sports counts down the number of days until Week 0 by naming the best returning FCS player by jersey number, 99-0. Due to rosters being updated at different times for teams across the country and to keep things consistent, jersey numbers are based on last season’s rosters.
Below is the running list of players honored.
FCS Jersey Countdown
Jersey numbers are based on 2023 rosters
99: Lamar DL Caleb Williams
Williams was one of the more underrated FCS defensive tackles last season.
The 5-foot-11 and 290-pounder was tough to move for opposing offensive lines. Starting all 11 games, Williams was productive from his interior spot. He totaled 57 tackles, six tackles for loss, three quarterback hurries, and three pass deflections. He delivered big-time in a larger role after playing in 10 games with four starts in 2022, recording 26 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, and 2.5 sacks.
Williams earned Second Team All-Southland Conference honors last fall. He was PFF’s No. 5-graded FCS interior defender, and Williams’ run defense grade on PFF ranked No. 2.
98: Saint Francis DL Eddie Bierals
Bierals has had a productive career for the Red Flash, totaling 67 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and six sacks as an interior lineman.
The 6-foot-2, 270-pounder tallied 31 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, and a sack in 2022. Last fall, Bierals totaled 26 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, three sacks, and three quarterback hurries in 10 games.
Now a senior, Bierals eyes back-to-back All-NEC First Team seasons.
97: NC Central DL Jaden Taylor
A 2021 transfer from Mercer, Taylor has made a massive impact in NC Central’s run as a top HBCU program. The Eagles won the 2022 Celebration Bowl. Last fall, they finished second in the MEAC, qualifying for an at-large bid into the FCS playoffs.
Taylor is a three-time All-MEAC selection (2021 Third Team, 2022 Second Team, 2023 First Team). In three seasons with NC Central, the 6-foot-1 and 275-pounder has racked up 143 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks.
Last fall, Taylor totaled 51 tackles, 8.5 TFLs, four sacks, and three quarterback hurries. His 80.2 overall PFF defensive grade ranked No. 25 among FCS interior defenders. Taylor’s 85.7 run defense grade ranked No. 8. On top of his third All-MEAC honor, Taylor was also named a BOXTOROW HBCU Honorable Mention All-American.
96: Idaho State DL David Rowe
Rowe has had a productive career at Idaho State as he enters his senior season. With an impressive frame of 6-foot-5 and 270 pounds, Rowe totals 124 career tackles and 18.5 tackles for loss in 36 games.
In 2022, he recorded 47 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, and two sacks. Last year, Rowe had 36 tackles, 10 TFLs, and four sacks, earning All-Big Sky Honorable Mention accolades.
Rowe’s 76.4 overall defensive grade on PFF ranked No. 42 among FCS interior defenders. His pass-rush grade of 73.7 ranked No. 34.
95: North Dakota State DE Dylan Hendricks
Hendricks enjoyed a breakout season for the Bison last fall. The fifth-year senior, who is returning for his sixth season, tallied 40 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and three pass breakups.
The 6-foot-3 and 247-pounder had a dominant end to the season, recording a sack in five of the last eight games. He missed the semifinal matchup at Montana.
Hendricks graded out as PFF’s No. 15 FCS edge defender. The First Team All-MVFC selection eyes an All-American season in 2024.
94: Weber State DE Brayden Wilson
Wilson is yet another physically impressive Weber State defensive player at 6-foot-5 and 260 pounds.
After recording 28 tackles and seven TFLs in 2022, he became a force last fall. Wilson totaled 52 tackles, 16.5 TFLs, and 7.5 sacks. The 16.5 regular-season tackles for loss led the Big Sky and ranked 11th in the FCS. Wilson had a season-high eight tackles at Utah, and he tallied three TFLs (two sacks) against Montana State’s terrific offensive line.
The sophomore’s 81.1 PFF run defense grade ranked inside the Top 35 of FCS edge defenders. His play earned All-Big Sky Second Team honors.
93: Wofford DL Brandon Maina
Maina enters his fourth season as a starter for the Terriers.
He recorded 40 tackles in eight starts as a true freshman in 2021, earning SoCon All-Freshman Team honors. Starting seven games in 2022, Maina had 29 tackles, three tackles for loss, and two sacks.
Maina enjoyed his best season last year, being a major problem on the interior d-line. In 10 starts, he had 45 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, four sacks, and nine quarterback hurries. His 80.3 overall PFF defensive grade ranked No. 21 among FCS interior defenders. While the 6-foot and 275-pounder helped plug the middle against the run, he was also effective in passing situations. Maina’s 82.2 pass-rush grade ranked 10th for an FCS interior defender.
Maina earned his second career All-Conference accolade with a nod on the All-SoCon Second Team.
92: Southern DE Ckelby Givens
After a brief stint in the transfer portal, Givens decided to return to Southern. It was massive news for the Jaguars. Givens has been a force in his first two years.
In 2022, he totaled 23 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. Givens then went off last fall. The 6-foot-2, 230-pounder racked up 61 tackles, 21 TFLs, seven sacks, and eight quarterback hurries. His 1.9 TFLs per game ranked No. 3 in the FCS.
Givens graded out on PFF as the No. 6 FCS edge defender. He earned All-SWAC First Team honors and was named an FCS Football Central Third Team All-American.
91: North Dakota State DL Will Mostaert
Will and his twin brother, All-American DT Eli, return this fall as sixth-year seniors.
Will has played in 48 games for the Bison. His 2023 season was limited to eight games due to an Achilles injury. After recording 4.5 tackles for loss in 2021, Mostaert moved from defensive end to defensive tackle. In 2022, he tallied 33 tackles, four TFLs, 1.5 sacks, five quarterback hurries, and a defensive touchdown, earning All-MVFC Honorable Mention honors.
Will missed time in 2023, while Eli missed most of the 2022 season. The two look for a healthy and dominant final campaign at NDSU. Will has 70 career tackles, 12.5 TFLs, and nine sacks. Eli has totaled 120 career tackles, 21.5 TFLs, and 13.5 sacks.
90: Drake DE Finn Claypool
Claypool has had a dominant first two full seasons at Drake.
After redshirting in 2021, Claypool was an instant sensation in 2022, recording 48 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, eight sacks, and 11 quarterback hurries. His postseason accolades began to pile up, including Pioneer Football League Freshman Defensive Player of the Year, All-PFL First Team, and Freshman All-American.
The dominance continued last fall. Claypool racked up 57 tackles, 19 TFLs, 12.5 sacks, eight QB hurries, and five forced fumbles. The 6-foot-1 and 232-pounder was named to the All-PFL First Team and the PFL Defensive Player of the Year. Claypool’s 91.1 overall PFF grade ranked No. 3 for an FCS edge defender, and his 92.8 pass-rush grade was No. 2.
89: San Diego WR Ja’seem Reed
Reed is a two-time All-Pioneer Football League Honorable Mention selection for the Toreros.
With good size at 6-foot-2 and 230 pounds, Reed is a mismatch for defenders. He had 28 receptions for 339 yards and four touchdowns in 2022. Last fall, Reed tallied 56 catches for 764 yards and two touchdowns. He ranked 37th in FCS receiving yards per game.
He had a season-high 12 catches that went for 105 yards against Princeton, a typical Ivy League power. Against two of the top PFL teams, Reed hauled in six catches for 109 yards at Davidson and five receptions for 125 yards against Drake.
88: Montana State TE Rohan Jones
Jersey numbers are based on 2023 rosters due to rosters being updated at different times in the offseason. Jones wore No. 88 last year at Maine and is wearing No. 8 this fall for Montana State.
MSU has to replace two key seniors Derryk Snell and Treyton Pickering at tight end, and the Bobcats found a good addition via the portal. Jones is a 6-foot-3 and 235-pound transfer from Maine. He can catch it while showing he has a knack for finding the end zone late last year. And he’ll certainly get his run-blocking fix in for Montana State’s offense.
Jones was an All-CAA Third Team selection last season as a sophomore, catching 22 passes for 240 yards and five touchdowns. The Montreal native should have an important role in an MSU offense that returns quarterback Tommy Mellott, five offensive linemen with starting experience, and an intact running back room.
87: William & Mary TE Sean McElwain
McElwain is a super-talented young tight end for William & Mary. At 6-foot-5 and 215 pounds, he expects to be a big part of the 2024 offense after a solid redshirt freshman season.
He recorded 312 receiving yards on 22 receptions for a run-first W&M offense, good for third-most on the team. The Tribe looks to get back into an offensive rhythm this fall after going from 33.46 points per game in its 2022 quarterfinal season to 21.73 PPG last year.
Veteran QB Darius Wilson returning, and a healthy Bronson Yoder at running back should help W&M get back on track. McElwain will be a key part as he eyes an increase in production as a sophomore. His 2023 overall PFF grade ranked No. 35 among FCS tight ends, while his receiving grade ranked No. 21.
86: Lafayette WR Elijah Steward
Steward has had a productive first two seasons at Lafayette. The 5-foot-10, 171-pounder led the team in receiving as a freshman and sophomore.
In 2022, he finished with 43 catches for 370 yards and two touchdowns. Last year, Steward recorded 52 receptions for 738 yards and five touchdowns, earning All-Patriot League Second Team honors. In Lafayette’s near first-round win at Delaware, he had 92 receiving yards and a score on four catches.
Lafayette returns 16 starters on offense and defense from its Patriot League championship squad. QB Dean DeNobile, All-American RB Jamar Curtis, and Steward form quite the trio.
85: Alcorn State TE Tavarious Griffin
Griffin enjoyed a breakout season last fall. He caught 25 passes for 317 yards and four touchdowns from his tight end position.
The 6-foot-3 and 215-pounder averaged 12.7 yards per catch, earning All-SWAC First Team honors. Griffin became a reliable target with three straight games of at least five catches. His season-high was 79 yards on three catches against Southern, including a 52-yard reception.
Griffin’s 73.7 overall PFF grade ranked No. 7 for an FCS tight end.
84: Presbyterian TE Worth Warner
Warner is coming off of a First Team All-Pioneer Football League season. The 6-foot-4 and 215-pounder recorded 31 catches for 403 yards and three touchdowns.
He had a career day at Wofford, tallying seven receptions for 117 yards and a score. Warner had the 14th-highest overall grade for an FCS tight end, while his 84.9 receiving grade ranked No. 2.
83: Stony Brook WR Anthony Johnson
Johnson was an impact transfer last season, arriving at Stony Brook from James Madison.
He became one of the top young pass-catchers in the FCS. Johnson’s 59 catches and 714 receiving yards finished second among FCS freshmen, trailing Utah Tech’s Beau Sparks. Johnson also recorded three touchdowns.
The 5-foot-11, 190-pounder owned the 31st-best PFF grade for an FCS wide receiver. He earned Third Team All-CAA honors, was named an FCS Football Central Freshman All-American, and finished 14th in voting for the Jerry Rice Award.
82: South Dakota TE JJ Galbreath
Galbreath returns for his fifth season as one of the top FCS tight ends.
After a solid 2022 campaign that saw him haul in 22 catches for 286 yards and a touchdown, Galbreath upped his play last fall. The 6-foot-4 and 240-pounder caught 36 passes for 579 yards and five TDs.
Galbreath had the No. 10 overall PFF grade among FCS tight ends, featuring the No. 7 receiving grade. He earned All-MVFC Honorable Mention accolades.
81: Maine TE Mason Gilbert
Jersey numbers are based on 2023 rosters due to rosters being updated at different times in the offseason. Gilbert wore No. 81 last year at Lafayette and is wearing No. 88 this fall for Maine.
Gilbert is an intriguing FCS-to-FCS transfer, arriving at Maine from Lafayette.
He’s a monster at 6-foot-8 and 255 pounds. Gilbert put together three straight All-Patriot League First Team seasons for the Leopards. He caught 54 career passes for 543 yards and three touchdowns.
Gilbert is a large target as a pass-catcher, but he’s even more effective in the running game. Last year, he graded out as the No. 27 FCS tight end on PFF, featuring the 13th-highest run-blocking grade for an FCS TE.
80: Towson TE Carter Runyon
Runyon was a gem of a portal find for Towson.
A standout at D3 Shenandoah University, he transferred to Towson before the 2023 season. Runyon was an instant difference-maker, leading the Tigers in all three receiving categories with 43 catches, 549 yards, and four touchdowns.
At 6-foot-6 and 235 pounds, Runyon had the eighth-best PFF receiving grade for an FCS tight end, and his pass-blocking grade was No. 2. His standout play was acknowledged with First Team All-CAA accolades and Second Team All-American honors from Stats Perform and the AP.
79: Montana OL Liam Brown
Brown has been a key member of the Montana offensive line, making 15 starts in the last two years as a redshirt freshman and sophomore.
The 6-foot-5 and 301-pounder had the No. 29 overall PFF grade for an FCS offensive guard last fall, featuring the No. 21 pass-blocking grade.
“Liam has played multiple positions, both center and guard,” head coach Bobby Hauck said. “He’s done a really good job and is one of the more improved players on the team in terms of playing faster and just becoming a more experienced player. So, I’ve enjoyed that. The offensive line has played really well this spring.”
78: South Carolina State OL Nick Taiste
Taiste has been an All-MEAC performer since his freshman season in 2021.
He earned All-Conference Second Team honors in 2021, First Team in 2022, and another First Team accolade last fall. Taiste also received a nod on the 2023 BOXTOROW HBCU All-American team as an honorable mention selection.
The 6-foot-2 and 295-pounder has proven to be one of the top offensive guards in the FCS. Last season, Taiste graded out as PFF’s No. 3 FCS guard, including the No. 3 run-blocking grade.
77: Colgate OL Bardhyl Gashi
After starting two games in 2021 as a sophomore, Gashi has started all 20 games played for the last two seasons.
At 6-foot-3 and 290 pounds, Gashi is one of the better returning FCS offensive guards this fall. He graded out as PFF’s No. 35 overall FCS OG last season, highlighted by his No. 19 run-blocking grade. Gashi brought home All-Patriot League Second Team honors.
Josh Buchanan named Gashi as an FCS player on the NFL radar.
76: Montana State OL Marcus Wehr
Wehr spent his first three seasons at Montana State on the defensive line and then moved to the o-line in 2022, where he started seven games before an injury.
He returned last year and put together an All-Big Sky First Team and All-American First Team season. Wehr starred on an MSU offensive line that finished No. 2 in FCS rushing offense, averaging 291 yards per game.
PFF graded the 6-foot-4 and 292-pounder as the No. 1 offensive tackle in the FCS and FBS. His run-blocking grade also ranked No. 1 in all of Division 1, while his pass-blocking grade was No. 7 among FCS offensive tackles.
75: Northern Iowa OL Jared Penning
Penning is a large human at 6-foot-6 and 338 pounds. And he brings a wealth of experience to the 2024 UNI offensive line.
Penning hit the starting lineup in 2021, where he was named an FCS Freshman All-American and made Phil Steele’s All-MVFC Third Team. He earned another spot on Phil Steele’s All-MVFC Third Team in 2022. Last fall, the Clear Lake, Iowa, native earned First Team accolades on the official All-MVFC teams and was named a Third Team All-American by Stats Perform.
Penning’s size, play, and pedigree have him on the NFL radar. His older brother and former UNI teammate, Trevor, was a first-round draft pick in 2022. The Panthers have had four selections since 2021.
74: North Dakota State OL Grey Zabel
Zabel had massive NIL offers coming his way from Power Five collectives. But he decided to stay at NDSU for his final season, a school that sends as many offensive linemen to the NFL as plenty of FBS programs.
Zabel, who is 6-foot-6 and 301 pounds, looks to be the next Bison to sign an NFL contract next year.
After starting seven games in 2022, Zabel started all 15 contests last season. The South Dakota native started the first three games at left guard before moving to right tackle. Zabel graded out as PFF’s No. 9 FCS offensive tackle, highlighted by his No. 3 pass-blocking grade.
73: North Dakota State OL Mason Miller
Miller has been a key part of NDSU’s o-line in the last two seasons. His presence will be even more important this fall as the Bison return only two starters up front.
Miller is a behemoth at 6-foot-7 and 299 pounds. He started 10 games at right tackle in 2022, a season that got cut short due to injury. Last fall, Miller started all 15 games, the first three at right tackle before moving to left guard.
Now a fifth-year senior, Miller eyes his strongest season yet to get further on the NFL radar.
72: Western Carolina OL Blake Whitmore
Whitmore enters his sixth season at WCU and his fourth as a starter.
The 6-foot-2 and 295-pounder started five games in 2021 as a redshirt freshman before a season-ending injury. He’s since started all 22 games at center in 2022 and 2023.
Last year, Whitmore anchored an o-line that helped WCU rank No. 22 in FCS rushing offense (182.9 YPG). He helped open holes for Desmond Reid, who was playing like the best FCS running back until injuries cut his season short. Reid is now at Pitt. Whitmore earned 2023 Second Team All-SoCon honors for his play.
71: Nicholls OL Evan Roussel
Nicholls has owned a solid rushing attack over the years, and a key cog in that success has been Roussel.
Roussel has anchored the o-line, starting at center since the 2021 spring season. He now looks to earn a rare fifth All-Conference honor this fall.
The 6-foot-2 and 290-pounder was named on the All-Southland First Team in the 2021 spring, Second Team with two Freshman All-American honors in the 2021 fall, First Team and Sophomore All-American in 2022, and All-Conference First Team again in 2023.
70: Eastern Kentucky OL Vincent Munlin Jr.
EKU has done a nice job developing offensive linemen. Josiah Ezirim (6-foot-6, 329 pounds) was drafted in the seventh round this year. Payton Collins (6-foot-7, 301 pounds) is a name to keep an eye on this fall as a top FCS OL. Munlin is also an intriguing prospect at 6-foot-6 and 299 pounds.
Munlin, now a senior, has started 22 games for the Colonels in the last two seasons. He earned Phil Steele All-ASUN honors in 2022 and was named to the 2024 Kentucky Collegiate All-Commonwealth Team, a preseason recognition award for football players attending a Kentucky college or university. It represents the best college football players in the state.
Last year, Munlin graded out as PFF’s No. 37 overall FCS offensive guard.
69: Villanova OL Jake Picard
Picard has started the last 1.5 seasons on Villanova’s offensive line.
He anchored the o-line last year at center, helping the offense rank No. 10 in FCS rushing (214.5 yards per game) and No. 17 in scoring (31.9 points per game). The 6-foot-4 and 305-pounder was PFF’s No. 39-graded FCS center.
Picard returns this fall as a key part of Nova’s offensive line, a unit that returns three starters. They’ll have veteran quarterback Connor Watkins behind them.
68: Lafayette OL Ryder Langsdale
Langsdale moved from the defensive line to the o-line in 2022 and locked down the starting left tackle role.
The 6-foot-7 and 287-pounder continued to develop into a top-tier tackle last year, starting every game at LT. He earned All-Patriot League Second Team and FCS Football Central Third Team All-American honors.
Langsdale’s 86.5 overall PFF grade last season ranked No. 4 among FCS offensive tackles and No. 6 out of all FCS/FBS tackles, highlighted by his 87.9 pass-blocking grade. He also helped running back Jamar Curtis (who is also returning this fall) finish third in FCS rushing (1,460 yards).
67: Alabama State OL Arelious Dunn
Dunn transferred to Alabama State last season from Bethune-Cookman.
Dunn was an immediate impact player, earning 2023 All-SWAC Second Team honors. The 6-foot-3 and 297-pounder graded out as PFF’s No. 44 FCS center. Dunn is an aggressive run-blocker, but his pass-blocking grade was especially strong, ranking No. 22 among FCS centers.
66: Montana OL Brandon Casey
Casey has been a key part of Montana’s offensive line development, a unit that has strengthened year-over-year and helped lead the Griz to last season’s national championship game.
A two-star recruit out of Idaho, Casey started two games as a freshman in 2021 before grabbing the full-time starting right tackle spot for the last two seasons. The 6-foot-5 and 305-pounder had the 43rd-best PFF pass-blocking grade among FCS offensive tackles last fall, earning First Team All-Big Sky accolades.
65: Montana State OL Justus Perkins
Perkins has started 40 straight games at center for the Bobcats, dating back to 2021. He is 10 shy of matching Mitch Brott’s school record for career starts and consecutive starts.
The Bozeman native has been honored with back-to-back All-Big Sky honorable mentions. Last fall, Perkins added Second Team All-American accolades from FCS Football Central. The 6-foot and 282-pounder finished as PFF’s No. 3-graded FCS center.
64: Chattanooga OL Reid Williams
Williams is next in a long line of standout Chattanooga offensive linemen.
He is a two-year starter and two-time All-SoCon Second Team selection. The 6-foot-1 and 286-pounder also earned 2022 Sophomore All-American honors and was named on the 2023 FCS Football Central All-American Third Team. Last season, Williams was PFF’s No. 5-graded FCS center, highlighted by his No. 1 pass-blocking grade.
63: Dartmouth OL Kyle Brown
Brown started every game on Dartmouth’s offensive line last fall. He was one of the more improved players for the Big Green in his first year with starting duties.
The 6-foot-4, 280-pounder was especially strong in his pass protection. Brown’s PFF pass-blocking grade ranked 16th among FCS offensive guards. He earned All-Ivy League Honorable Mention accolades and received the team’s John M. Manley ’40 Award, presented to a Dartmouth player who has demonstrated the most improvement through his efforts in the weight room.
62: Northern Arizona OL Jonny Bottorff
Rarely will you see a transfer be named team captain in their first season. But that’s what happened last year with Bottorff.
Bottorff transferred to NAU after four seasons at Missouri Western. He earned the starting center role for the Lumberjacks along with his captain duties. The 6-foot-3 and 295-pounder graded out as PFF’s No. 15 FCS center, earning Second Team All-Big Sky honors. Now a sixth-year senior, Bottorff has been named an NAU captain again.
61: South Dakota State OL Evan Beerntsen
A sixth-year senior, Beerntsen enters his third season as a starter on SDSU’s o-line.
The 6-foot-4, 300-pounder is viewed as one of the best returning offensive linemen in the FCS. Beerntsen is coming off of an All-MVFC Honorable Mention season. He graded out as PFF’s No. 5 FCS offensive guard, highlighted by the No. 1 pass-blocking grade.
60: William & Mary OL Charles Grant
After starting five games in 2021 as a redshirt freshman, Grant has started all 24 games at left tackle in the last two seasons.
He is a back-to-back All-CAA First Team selection and garnered five All-American honors in 2023. Grant’s overall PFF grade ranked No. 15 for an FCS offensive tackle last year, helping W&M to the subdivision’s No. 3 rushing offense in 2022 and No. 13 a season ago. At 6-foot-4 and 300 pounds with standout length and agility, Grant is on the Senior Bowl and NFL Draft radar.
59: Sac State OL Nathan Mejia
Mejia has anchored a good Sac State offensive line as a redshirt freshman and sophomore for the last two seasons.
The two-time All-Big Sky selection (2022 Second Team, 2023 Honorable Mention) also earned Freshman All-American honors in 2022. Sac State set a school record with 3,358 rushing yards two years ago. And last year, Sac State allowed just 1.23 sacks per game to rank 16th in the FCS. Mejia’s 2023 overall PFF grade ranked No. 15 among FCS centers, while his run-blocking grade was No. 8.
58: Lamar OL Elias Ripley
Ripley made a major impact in Lamar’s improvement last season, going from 1-10 in 2022 to 6-5. He transferred to Lamar after helping Iowa Western to a national championship.
Ripley battled through injuries last year but started in eight games. Despite missing action, his play still earned the respect of Second Team All-Southland Conference honors. The 6-foot-2 and 290-pounder graded out as PFF’s No. 12 overall FCS center, highlighted by his No. 7 run-blocking grade.
57: Illinois State OL Hunter Zambrano
Zambrano has caught the eye of NFL scouts as a pro prospect. The 6-foot-5 and 300-pounder has started games since his redshirt freshman season in 2021.
Last year, Zambrano started all 11 contests at left tackle for the Redbirds, earning All-MVFC Second Team honors. He helped the Redbirds to the MVFC’s No. 3 rushing offense. ISU also allowed only seven sacks, the fewest in the conference. Zambrano’s overall PFF grade ranked No. 12 among FCS offensive tackles, including the No. 3 pass-blocking grade.
56: SEMO OL Zack Gieg
Gieg has been a mainstay on SEMO’s offensive line since transferring from Fresno State before the 2021 season.
The 6-foot-1, 296-pounder has started at center for the last three seasons, earning First Team All-Conference accolades each year. 2022 was especially a strong season. Gieg earned multiple All-American honors while winning the Rimington Award, which goes to the best FCS center. Now in his sixth year of college football and his fourth at SEMO, Gieg looks to put together another All-American campaign in 2024.
55: Tennessee Tech DE Daniel Rickert
Rickert had a breakout season last fall, elevating his play to be one of the better defensive ends in the FCS.
After 15-tackle seasons in 2021 and 2022, he exploded for 49 tackles last year, including 14.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks, two forced fumbles, and three pass breakups. His 1.3 TFLs per game ranked No. 20 in the FCS. Rickert earned All-Big South-OVC First Team accolades. At 6-foot-2 and 232 pounds, Rickert graded out as PFF’s No. 5 FCS edge defender.
54: Youngstown State OL Jaison Williams
Williams enters his sixth season at YSU and his fifth as a starter.
He started a combined 17 games in the 2021 spring and fall, showing off his versatility. Williams logged starts at left tackle, left guard, right guard, and right tackle in those seasons. In 2022 and 2023, Williams started a combined 23 games at right tackle. The 6-foot-4 and 315-pounder is a three-time All-MVFC selection, earning Honorable Mention accolades in 2021 and 2022 while being named to the Second Team last fall.
53: North Dakota State DL Eli Mostaert
Mostaert is a three-time All-MVFC selection dating back to the 2021 spring season — 2021 spring and fall Honorable Mention, 2023 Second Team.
In the 2020 fall/2021 spring season, he tallied 34 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, and 4.5 sacks. That fall, he added 44 tackles, 10 TFLs, and 7.5 sacks. After missing most of the 2022 season due to injury, Mostaert returned last year and earned All-Conference honors again. The 6-foot-3, 287-pounder had 37 tackles and four TFLs. PFF graded him as the No. 7 overall FCS interior defender.
52: Idaho DL Dallas Afalava
Afalava is a rising star on Idaho’s defensive line, a unit that has a chance to be among the best in the FCS this fall.
As a true freshman last season, Afalava tallied 26 tackles, led the team with eight tackles for loss, and finished second with five sacks. This production came from the interior of the d-line. At 6-foot-1 and 274 pounds, Afalava was PFF’s No. 7 overall FCS interior defensive lineman.
51: Nicholls DL Joe Mason
An FBS transfer from LA Tech, Mason had an immediate impact last fall as Nicholls advanced to the playoffs.
The 6-foot-3 and 235-pounder racked up 36 tackles, eight tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and nine quarterback hurries. Mason had at least a TFL in eight of the last nine games.
50: South Dakota State OL Gus Miller
Miller is the best returning FCS offensive lineman, anchoring a standout SDSU o-line for the last two years.
The 6-foot-3, 290-pounder won the 2023 Rimington Award as the best FCS center while earning First Team All-American honors. PFF graded Miller as the No. 1 FCS center, including the best run-blocking grade. In Draft Scout’s early Top 150 rankings for the 2025 NFL Draft, Miller was the No. 124 overall prospect with a Day 3 projection.
49: North Dakota State FB/LS Hunter Brozio
Brozio is a key part of NDSU’s success in two of the more underrated positions.
At 6-foot-1 and 232 pounds, he is the team’s starting fullback and long snapper. Brozio was a First Team All-MVFC selection at both positions last fall, plus earning Second Team honors at LS in 2022. While he has 15 career catches for 95 yards and a touchdown, Brozio is known for his blocking in NDSU’s offense that finished No. 4 in FCS rushing last year (237.3 yards per game). He graded out as PFF’s No. 8 fullback in the FBS and FCS.
48: McNeese LB Micah Davey
Davey is one of the early favorites to win the 2024 Buck Buchanan Award.
As a freshman in 2022, he totaled 68 tackles and eight TFLs. Then last fall, Davey developed even more into an elite defender. He racked up 153 tackles, seven tackles for loss, two sacks, four quarterback hurries, and three pass breakups in 10 games. Davey had double-digit tackles in every contest, including 13 against Florida, as his 15.3 tackles per game led the FCS. The 6-foot-2, 239-pounder graded out as PFF’s No. 13 FCS linebacker.
47: Eastern Kentucky LB Jacquez McGowan
McGowan was a key transfer portal pickup for EKU this offseason after spending the last two seasons at Tennessee Tech.
He was named to the 2022 All-OVC Newcomer Team, totaling 59 tackles and four TFLs. Last season as a Second Team Big South-OVC Football Association All-Conference selection, McGowan recorded 72 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 3.5 TFLs, two pass breakups, and an interception.
46: Illinois State LB Tye Niekamp
Niekamp is a young star at linebacker, enjoying a dynamite 2023 season as a redshirt freshman.
An impressive athlete at 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds, Niekamp totaled 74 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, seven quarterback hurries, and seven pass breakups. He was named to the MVFC All-Newcomer Team and was the MVFC Freshman of the Year, plus he earned a spot on the All-MVFC team as an Honorable Mention. Nationally, Niekamp earned Freshman All-American accolades and was Phil Steele’s FCS National Defensive Freshman of the Year. Niekamp finished fourth in the Jerry Rice Award voting, which honors the best FCS freshmen.
45: Northern Iowa TE Layne Pryor
Pryor was named an All-MVFC Honorable Mention last year despite playing only seven of 11 games.
The 6-foot-3 and 251-pounder caught 11 passes for 119 yards and a touchdown. In 2022, he had 11 catches for 124 yards and one TD. PFF really liked Pryor’s film in 2023, ranking him as the No. 25 overall FCS tight end. His receiving grade ranked No. 13, while Pryor’s pass-blocking grade ranked No. 3.
44: Alcorn State DL Malachi Bailey
Bailey has wreaked havoc on SWAC offensive lines over the last two seasons, garnering back-to-back All-Conference First Team honors.
He’s one of the best returning defensive ends in the FCS. At 6-foot-2 and 260 pounds, Bailey totaled 36 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks in 2022. Last fall, he racked up 38 tackles, 15.5 TFLs, nine sacks, and three quarterback hurries.
43: North Dakota State LB Logan Kopp
After MVFC All-Newcomer Team honors in 2022, where he totaled 41 tackles, Kopp developed into a top linebacker last season.
As just a redshirt sophomore, the 6-foot-1 and 217-pounder made splash plays all over the field. Kopp totaled 85 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, three quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles, three interceptions, and four pass breakups. He was named on the All-MVFC First Team and finished 22nd in voting for the Buck Buchanan Award.
42: Montana LB Riley Wilson
Wilson was a major boost to Montana’s strong defense, transferring from Hawaii before last season.
The 6-foot-2 and 224-pound Texas native totaled 53 tackles, 15 TFLs, 8.5 sacks, and six quarterback hurries. Wilson, a sophomore last fall, earned Second Team All-Big Sky accolades and ranked within the top 25 of FCS edge defenders. His versatility is key for an aggressive Montana defense, which lines Wilson up all over the place in the box.
41: Lehigh LB Mike DeNucci
DeNucci has been a tackling machine for Lehigh. Now a fifth-year senior and entering his fourth as a starter, he looks to add a third straight All-Patriot League accolade.
After a 38-tackle season in 2021, DeNucci went off in 2022. He racked up 93 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, and 8.5 sacks, earning All-Patriot League Second Team honors. Last fall as a team captain, DeNucci totaled 87 tackles, six TFLs, 1.5 sacks, and four pass breakups. The 6-foot and 225-pounder was again named on the All-Conference Second Team.
40: Morgan State LB Erick Hunter
Hunter is a top-tier returning FCS linebacker with the production, film grades, and NFL readiness to back it up.
After a 2022 season that saw him total 77 tackles, Hunter took his overall play to another level for last year’s stout Morgan State defense. An impressive athlete at 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, Hunter made plays all over the field. He totaled 75 tackles in 10 games, including 9.5 TFLs, three sacks, seven quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles, and two interceptions returned for a combined 60 yards. Hunter graded out as PFF’s No. 5 FCS linebacker as he earned All-MEAC First Team and FCS Football Central All-American Third Team honors.
39: Furman LB Evan DiMaggio
DiMaggio was a big part of Furman’s 2023 unit that ranked No. 8 in FCS rushing defense, allowing 96.9 yards per game.
He returns this fall after finishing third on the team with 79 tackles, including a team-high 11.5 tackles for loss, and finishing second with five sacks. The 6-foot-3 and 234-pounder ranked inside the top 50 of PFF-graded FCS linebackers. DiMaggio ended the season, a near quarterfinal win at Montana, with a career game, totaling 15 tackles and three TFLs.
38: Dayton LB Aiden McKinley
McKinley was named Dayton’s Most Improved Defensive Player of the Year last fall as a sophomore.
The 6-foot-2 and 221-pounder burst onto the scene in the 2023 opener against Illinois State, tallying a career-high 15 tackles. McKinley went on to start all 11 games, totaling 87 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, two sacks, two quarterback hurries, and three forced fumbles. He was named Honorable Mention All-Pioneer Football League.
37: Georgetown DB Kolubah Pewee Jr.
Jersey numbers are based on 2023 rosters due to rosters being updated at different times in the offseason. Pewee wore No. 37 last year and is wearing No. 1 this fall.
Pewee was a lockdown cornerback for Georgetown last year.
The 5-foot-11 and 170-pounder recorded 25 tackles, two tackles for loss, one interception, and seven passes defended. His PFF coverage grade ranked within the Top 50 of FCS cornerbacks. In nearly 200 coverage snaps, Pewee was targeted just 20 times and allowed only six catches for 83 yards.
36: Columbia DE Justin Townsend
Townsend has had back-to-back productive seasons as a sophomore and junior.
In 2022, he totaled 28 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and six sacks. Last fall in 10 games, the 6-foot-1 and 255-pounder racked up 29 tackles, 12 TFLs, 7.5 sacks, three quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles, one interception, and two pass breakups. Townsend earned All-Ivy League Second Team honors while also being named the team’s Most Valuable Defensive Player.
35: Indiana State LB Garret Ollendieck
Ollendieck is a standout linebacker eyeing his third straight season of postseason accolades.
The 6-foot-2 and 230-pounder was named to the 2022 MVFC All-Newcomer Team after totaling 53 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, two sacks, and an interception. Last year as an All-Conference Second Team selection, Ollendieck racked up 97 tackles, 13.5 TFLs, 7.5 sacks, four QB hurries, and one interception. His 8.8 tackles per game ranked third in the MVFC.
34: Fordham DE Matt Jaworski
Jaworski has started games since his true freshman year in 2021.
In his debut season, he started eight contests and recorded 40 tackles, six TFLs, and 3.5 sacks. Jaworski started five games and played in eight the next year, tallying 23 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, and five sacks. Last fall was his breakout season, earning First Team All-Patriot League honors and being named the team’s MVP. The 6-foot-5 and 260-pounder had 44 tackles, 13.5 TFLs, nine sacks, eight QB hurries, three pass breakups, and three forced fumbles. Jaworski graded out as PFF’s No. 12 FCS edge defender.
33: Bucknell LB Brad Jamison
Jamison enjoyed a breakout season last fall, garnering Second Team All-Patriot League honors. The 6-foot-2 and 220-pounder started every game, totaling 77 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, three sacks, four quarterback hurries, one interception, and three pass breakups.
Jamison earned Bucknell’s Clarke Hinkle Award as the team’s most outstanding defensive back or linebacker. He enters 2024 as a team captain.
32: South Dakota State LB Adam Bock
Bock enters his sixth season at SDSU as a multi-time All-American and two-time All-MVFC First Team selection.
In his career, the 6-foot-1 and 225-pounder has 344 tackles, 25 TFLs, and 10.5 sacks. His last fully healthy season was 2021, where Bock racked up 125 tackles, 9.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, two interceptions, and eight passes defended. He tallied 76 tackles and 65 tackles the last two years, missing five games in the first half of the 2023 season.
31: North Dakota State S Cole Wisniewski
Wisniewski is a top NFL Draft prospect in the FCS with the potential to be a Day 2 pick. The 6-foot-4 and 219-pounder seamlessly transitioned from linebacker to safety last year.
He totaled 92 tackles, two TFLs, eight interceptions, 239 interception return yards, and five pass breakups. Wisniewski had the highest PFF grade out of all FCS and FBS safeties. He earned All-MVFC First Team accolades and was a consensus First Team All-American.
30: Montana State LB Danny Uluilakepa
Uluilakepa has had back-to-back solid seasons for MSU as he enters 2024 with preseason All-Big Sky accolades.
The 6-foot-1 and 220-pounder missed a few games due to injuries in 2022 and 2023. Despite missing some action in 2022, Uluilakepa finished second on the team with 81 tackles, including four TFLs and two interceptions. Last fall, he totaled 59 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, and a sack in 10 games.
29: Harvard RB Shane McLaughlin
Jersey numbers are based on 2023 rosters due to rosters being updated at different times in the offseason. McLaughlin wore No. 29 last year and is wearing No. 5 this fall.
McLaughlin had a breakout season last fall. He went from 17 carries for 50 yards and two touchdowns in 2022 to 155 carries for 830 yards and six touchdowns in nine games last year.
His 92.2 rushing yards per game ranked No. 17 in the FCS, while PFF graded him as the No. 15 FCS running back. The 5-foot-11 and 200-pounder was named to the All-Ivy League First Team.
28: North Dakota RB Gaven Ziebarth
Ziebarth had a breakout sophomore season last year for UND. In 10 games, he rushed 107 times for 700 yards and nine touchdowns.
His 6.54 yards per carry ranked No. 2 in the Missouri Valley Football Conference and No. 16 in the FCS. Some of Ziebarth’s best performances were in the back half of the season, including 156 yards and three touchdowns vs. NDSU, 74 yards and two scores in a crucial win vs. Illinois State, and 96 yards and two TDs in the playoffs vs. Sac State. PFF graded Ziebarth as the No. 32 FCS running back.
27: Central Arkansas RB ShunDerrick Powell
Powell is a top-tier returning FCS running back after back-to-back dominant seasons for two different teams.
Powell enjoyed a 2022 All-American season at North Alabama, rushing for 1,508 yards and 18 touchdowns. The 5-foot-9 and 180-pounder then transferred to UCA last fall. He rushed 136 times for 1,016 yards and six TDs. Powell earned All-UAC Second Team accolades. His 7.5 yards per carry ranked No. 2 in the FCS, trailing South Carolina State’s Jawarn Howell.
26: Montana State DB Rylan Ortt
Ortt plays the safety/nickel position, a crucial spot on MSU’s defense.
He started the final six games of the 2022 season, finishing with 34 tackles. Ortt then started all 12 games last fall, finishing second on the team with 74 tackles, including seven tackles for loss, two sacks, three interceptions, and one pick-six. The 6-foot-1 and 207-pounder made plays all over the field, which earned him All-Big Sky Honorable Mention.
25: Penn DB Shiloh Means
Means is one of the top returning FCS safeties this season.
He has shown progression each year, making his senior season highly anticipated. In 2021, Means totaled 30 tackles and four pass breakups. In 2022, he entered the starting lineup and earned Honorable Mention All-Ivy League after recording 42 tackles, one interception, and seven pass breakups. Last fall, Means had 44 tackles, three interceptions, and seven pass breakups, earning All-Ivy League First Team accolades.
24: VMI RB Hunter Rice
Rice was a breakout star for VMI last fall after solid freshman and sophomore campaigns. He totaled 289 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in 2021. And he added 235 rushing yards and two scores in 2022.
Last fall, Rice went off for 867 yards and 14 touchdowns on 170 carries, earning Second Team All-SoCon honors. A 2024 team captain, his 23 career rushing TDs rank fifth all-time at VMI.
23: Holy Cross RB Jordan Fuller
Fuller is already Holy Cross’ all-time leader in career rushing touchdowns with 40. He set a single-season program record with 18 rushing TDs last year.
In 2021, he rushed 48 times for 227 yards and nine touchdowns. The following season, Fuller ran for 536 yards and 13 scores on 111 carries, earning All-Patriot League Second Team honors. And last fall, the 6-foot and 231-pounder rushed 156 times for 1,046 yards and 18 TDs, garnering All-Conference First Team accolades and three All-American honors.
22: Lafayette RB Jamar Curtis
Jersey numbers are based on 2023 rosters due to rosters being updated at different times in the offseason. Curtis wore No. 22 last year and is wearing No. 5 this fall.
Curtis was a key part in leading Lafayette to the 2023 playoffs. He was among the FCS elite running backs, ranking No. 3 in rushing yards with 1,460, No. 5 in rushing touchdowns with 15, and No. 2 with 132.7 rushing yards per game.
The 5-foot-8 and 164-pounder was named on the All-Patriot League First Team while earning All-American honors from Stats Perform and the Associated Press.
21: Delaware RB Marcus Yarns
Yarns is starting to get some NFL Draft buzz after a dynamite 2023 season.
The 5-foot-11 and 183-pounder rushed 136 times for 939 yards and 15 touchdowns last fall. The 15 scores on the ground ranked No. 5 in the FCS. Yarns added 24 catches for 311 yards and three TDs. He earned All-CAA Second Team accolades while being named on the FCS Football Central All-American Third Team.
20: Eastern Illinois RB MJ Flowers
Jersey numbers are based on 2023 rosters due to rosters being updated at different times in the offseason. Flowers wore No. 20 last year and is wearing No. 4 this fall.
Flowers was a breakout star in 2023. He rushed 157 times for 854 yards and eight touchdowns as just a freshman while adding 35 catches for 192 yards. He earned First Team All-Big South-OVC honors, was named the conference’s Offensive Freshman of the Year, garnered Freshman All-American accolades from three publications, and finished No. 2 in Jerry Rice Award voting.
Listed at 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds last year, Flowers is up to 220 pounds according to the 2024 roster.
19: Nicholls RB Collin Guggenheim
Guggenheim is a two-time All-Southland Conference First Team selection and is looking to continue climbing the all-time Nicholls charts. He ranks No. 4 all-time in rushing yards with 2,439, and his 26 rushing touchdowns rank No. 6 in program history.
The 5-foot-11 and 205-pounder rushed 145 times for 930 yards and 10 touchdowns as a freshman in 2021. He added over 500 yards and four scores in 2022. Last year, Guggenheim posted 833 yards and 11 TDs on 178 carries.
18: Idaho DB Tommy McCormick
McCormick is a two-time All-Big Sky selection, earning Third Team honors in 2022 and being named an Honorable Mention last fall.
He totaled 34 tackles, three TFLs, four pass breakups, and an interception as a freshman in 2021. In 2022, McCormick recorded 61 tackles and four interceptions. Last fall, the 6-foot-1 and 206-pound safety tallied 62 tackles, three TFLs, and five pass breakups.
17: Indiana State DB Maddix Blackwell
Blackwell has been a standout safety for Indiana State in his first two seasons of action.
In 2022 as a redshirt freshman, he posted 51 tackles, four TFLs, one interception, and six pass breakups. Last fall, Blackwell racked up 107 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, two interceptions, three pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries. His 9.7 tackles per game led the MVFC and ranked No. 16 in the FCS. Blackwell earned All-Conference Second Team honors.
16: Lafayette QB Dean DeNobile
In his first season as a starter, DeNobile led Lafayette to the playoffs.
The 6-foot-1 sophomore finished 170/255 passing for 1,997 yards, 20 touchdowns, and five interceptions while rushing for 180 yards and six scores. DeNobile graded out as the No. 5 FCS quarterback on PFF. In a near first-round playoff win at Delaware, he went 10/15 for 164 yards and two touchdowns before leaving the game with an injury. DeNobile earned All-Patriot League Second Team honors, and he enters 2024 as a team captain.
15: Mercer LB Ken Standley
Standley has been an impact player since 2020, and he eyes his fourth-straight All-SoCon season.
He totaled 39 tackles in the 2020-21 season, followed by 70 tackles and 7.5 TFLs in 2021 as a Phil Steele All-SoCon selection. Standley garnered All-Conference honors again by Phil Steele in 2022 when he tallied 85 tackles and seven TFLs. Last fall, the 5-foot-11 and 225-pounder racked up 97 tackles, 15 TFLs, four sacks, and two interceptions. Standley earned All-SoCon First Team honors and was named an All-American by FCS Football Central.
14: Cal Poly DE Elijah Ponder
Ponder is getting NFL Draft hype as he enters his fourth season as a starter.
In 2021, he totaled 35 tackles and eight sacks. In 2022, Ponder recorded 36 tackles and six TFLs. Last fall as a First Team All-Big Sky selection, he racked up 52 tackles, 13 TFLs, 10 sacks, and 17 QB hurries. The 6-foot-3 and 245-pounder earned two All-American accolades and graded out as PFF’s No. 7 FCS edge defender.
13: Fordham DB Nahil Perkins
Perkins is coming off an All-Patriot League First Team season and enters 2024 as one of the top FCS cornerbacks.
The 6-foot and 178-pounder totaled 62 tackles, three interceptions, and 14 pass breakups last year. His 1.5 passes defended per game led the Patriot League and ranked fourth in the FCS. Perkins is a 2024 preseason All-Patriot League selection and a team captain.
12: Wofford RB Ryan Ingram
In 10 games last year, Ingram rushed 156 times for 837 yards and six touchdowns. In an upset win over Furman, he ran for 111 yards on 19 carries and scored on a 53-yard touchdown.
Ingram’s 83.7 rushing yards per game ranked third in the SoCon and No. 23 nationally. He enters this fall as a preseason First Team All-Conference selection.
11: South Dakota State QB Mark Gronowski
Gronowski could become the most accomplished quarterback in FCS history. The 2023 Walter Payton Award winner and back-to-back FCS national championship game Most Outstanding Player is 13 wins away from breaking the FCS record for quarterback victories. Gronowski is 37-3 overall with just one FCS loss as a full-game starter.
Last year, he passed for 3,058 yards, 29 touchdowns, and five interceptions along with 402 rushing yards and eight scores. In his career, Gronowski has thrown for 7,590 yards, 70 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions while rushing for 1,387 yards and 27 TDs.
10: Montana State DE Brody Grebe
Jersey numbers are based on 2023 rosters due to rosters being updated at different times in the offseason. Grebe wore No. 10 last year and is wearing No. 41 this fall.
Grebe is a back-to-back First Team All-Big Sky selection and All-American.
As a 2022 AP Third Team All-American, he totaled 30 tackles, five TFLs, and three sacks. Last fall, the 6-foot-3 and 250-pounder had 50 tackles, 13 TFLs, 9.5 sacks, six QB hurries, and three forced fumbles. Grebe ranked in the Top 20 among PFF-graded FCS edge defenders while earning three All-American accolades.
9: Western Carolina QB Cole Gonzales
Gonzales started four games in 2022 as a freshman. Then last fall, he developed into a top quarterback in the FCS.
The 6-foot, 195-pounder went 204/310 passing for 2,803 yards, 28 touchdowns, and eight interceptions along with 203 rushing yards. His 166.4 passing efficiency ranked No. 3 in the FCS. He garnered First Team All-SoCon accolades and was voted by the media as the SoCon Offensive Player of the Year. Gonzales graded out as PFF’s No. 13 overall quarterback, highlighted by his No. 6 passing grade.
8: Central Arkansas DE David Walker
Walker eyes his third straight conference Defensive Player of the Year honor. He was named the 2022 ASUN DPOY and last year’s UAC DPOY.
He transferred to Central Arkansas in 2022 from Division II Southern Arkansas. Walker racked up 66 tackles, 22 TFLs, and 12 sacks, finishing third in the Buck Buchanan Award voting. In 2023, the 6-foot-2 and 260-pounder totaled 57 tackles, 18 TFLs, and 8.5 sacks. He graded out as PFF’s No. 9 overall FCS edge defender while earning All-American honors for a second year.
7: North Dakota State QB Cam Miller
Miller has started 40 games for NDSU dating back to the 2021 spring playoffs. He owns a 31-9 record and is No. 4 in NDSU history with 6,470 career passing yards and 48 passing touchdowns. He also has 1,646 career rushing yards and 36 scores.
An All-MVFC Second Team selection and Stats Perform Second Team All-American last season, Miller went 208/289 passing for 2,688 yards, 19 TDs, and four interceptions while adding 629 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground. PFF graded Miller as the No. 1 FCS quarterback while his 169.1 passing efficiency ranked No. 2 in the subdivision.
6: Chattanooga WR Javin Whatley
After a SoCon All-Freshman Team season in 2022 (29 catches for 451 yards and three TDs) Whatley took off last fall. He tallied 55 receptions for 977 yards and nine touchdowns, earning Second Team All-SoCon honors and being named a Second Team All-American by FCS Football Central.
Some of his best performances came vs. top conference teams, recording 231 receiving yards against Western Carolina and 102 against Furman. Whatley, who is 5-foot-10 and 167 pounds, enters 2024 with high expectations. He was named on three preseason All-American teams, was mentioned on Bruce Feldman’s honorable mention Freaks List for his combination of speed and strength, and was named on the Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List.
5: Montana WR Junior Bergen
Bergen is the most dangerous man in the FCS when the ball is in his hands. Already a First Team All-Conference wide receiver, he’s also one of the best returners in FCS history.
Bergen has six career kick/punt return touchdowns, including three in last year’s playoff run. Last season, he totaled 59 catches for 791 yards and five scores, 434 kick return yards (28.9 yards per return) with a touchdown, and 429 punt return yards (15.3 avg.) and three TDs.
The 5-foot-11 and 184-pounder is a preseason All-American and was named on the Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List.
4: Montana State QB Tommy Mellott
The FCS was introduced to Mellott in the 2021 playoffs when the freshman took the reins as MSU’s starting quarterback and led the Bobcats to the FCS national championship game. He then started 12 of MSU’s 14 games in 2022, which featured a semifinal appearance, missing two with an injury. Mellott started nine contests last year, missing some action again due to injury.
Mellott’s play (and health) is critical in MSU’s hopes for a 2024 run at an FCS title. Now a senior, he looks to be a three-time All-Big Sky selection. Mellott has 2,474 career rushing yards (7th in school history), 29 rushing touchdowns (tied for 3rd), and 3,241 passing yards (10th).
3: UC Davis RB Lan Larison
Larison was named the 2023 Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year even though he played in only eight games due to injury.
The 6-foot and 215-pounder carried the ball 178 times for 1,101 yards (6.2 yards per carry) and 13 scores. He also had 21 receptions for 198 yards and two TDs. PFF graded Larison as the No. 7 overall FCS running back with a rushing grade that ranked No. 5. Larison was named on four All-American teams and earned All-Big Sky accolades for a fourth straight season.
2: Illinois State WR Daniel Sobkowicz
Sobkowicz enters his third year starting for Illinois State as a preseason FCS Football Central Second Team All-American.
As a redshirt freshman in 2022, he caught 31 passes for 377 yards and three touchdowns. Sobkowicz then enjoyed a breakout sophomore year last fall. The 6-foot-3 and 205-pounder had 68 catches for 933 yards and 10 TDs. His 84.8 receiving yards per game ranked No. 13 in the FCS as Sobkowicz earned Second Team All-MVFC honors. Sobkowicz also graded in PFF’s Top 15 of FCS wide receivers.
1: North Dakota WR Bo Belquist
Belquist enters his fifth season at UND with 206 career catches for 2,373 yards and 20 touchdowns. He’s a three-time All-MVFC selection, earning Second Team honors in 2023 and 2022 and being named to the 2021 spring MVFC All-Newcomer Team.
In 2022, Belquist had 63 receptions for 811 yards and six TDs. Last fall, he totaled 66 catches for 772 yards and six scores while PFF graded Belquist as the No. 8 overall FCS wide receiver. The North Dakota native was recently named to the 2025 Senior Bowl Watchlist.
0: Villanova DB Isas Waxter
Waxter is an elite cornerback and was recently named to the 2025 Senior Bowl Watchlist.
He came back strong after missing the 2022 season. Last fall, the 6-foot-2 and 215-pounder totaled 26 tackles, four TFLs, three interceptions, and eight pass breakups while PFF graded him as the No. 3 FCS cornerback. Waxter earned All-CAA Second Team accolades and was named an FCS Football Central Second Team All-American.
