Welcome to Year 8 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 2024 rosters
99: Fordham DL Sam Buerkle
Buerkle has been an impact player on Fordham’s defensive line since his true freshman year in 2022, when he cracked the rotation as a youngster and totaled 13 tackles and four sacks. Buerkle has since started all 23 games in the last two seasons. In 2023, he ranked as PFF’s No. 11 FCS interior defender, tallying 35 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and four fumble recoveries. Entering last fall, HERO Sports ranked Buerkle the No. 20 returning FCS defensive tackle. He went on to record 41 tackles, eight TFLs, two sacks, and two quarterback hurries, earning Second Team All-Patriot League honors from Phil Steele.
98: Central Arkansas DL Bradley Clark
Clark was one of the more underrated interior defenders last season. The 6-foot-2 and 320-pounder’s presence was felt more than his statistics, although he was productive on the inside with 29 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, and 2.5 sacks. PFF graded Clark as the No. 7 FCS interior defender. While strong against the run, Clark was also making the quarterback uncomfortable, owning the No. 5 PFF pass-rush grade. He was credited with six quarterback hurries, a pass breakup, one fumble recovery, and four QB hits. Phil Steele recognized Clark’s play with All-UAC Second Team accolades.
97: Illinois State DL Jake Anderson
Anderson is a two-year starter on Illinois State’s defensive line in his redshirt freshman and sophomore seasons. After totaling 34 tackles and five tackles for loss in 2023, he had a breakout 2024 campaign. The 6-foot-5 and 290-pounder had strong production from the interior, tallying 65 tackles, seven TFLs, 3.5 sacks, one interception, and two passes defended. One of his best performances was the season-opener at Iowa, totaling eight tackles. Anderson finished the season earning All-MVFC Second Team honors.
96: Montana State DL Paul Brott
Jersey numbers are based on 2024 rosters. Brott is wearing No. 41 this fall.
Brott will be a leader on a top FCS defensive line in 2025, returning three starters and several rotational players. He was chosen to wear No. 41 this year, which is MSU’s legacy number. Brott had a breakout 2024 season, recording 49 tackles, six TFLs, three sacks, and two quarterback hurries on the interior. PFF graded the 6-foot-3 and 290-pounder as the No. 32 FCS defensive tackle. Brott, a Montana native, earned All-Big Sky Second Team accolades.
95: Colgate K Luke Vogeler
A good kicker can’t be taken for granted. And Colgate has a great one in Vogeler. He earned First Team All-Patriot League honors last year as a sophomore, along with being named on the Division I FCS All-ECAC Team. Vogeler went 29/29 on PATs and hit 13/15 field goals with a long of 51 yards. His 86.7 field goal percentage ranked No. 7 in the FCS. Vogeler was perfect on field goals of 40 yards or more, going 4/4 between 40-49 yards and 2/2 on field goals of 50+ yards.
94: Mercer DL Andrew Zock
Jersey numbers are based on 2024 rosters. Zock is wearing No. 0 this fall.
Mercer owned the No. 1 FCS rushing defense last year (70.8 yards allowed per game), was No. 1 in team sacks per game (3.29), and was No. 2 in team TFLs per game (8.1). Zock was a major part of that d-line as just a true freshman. A 3-star recruit, he splashed immediately. The 6-foot-2 and 250-pound defensive end totaled 38 tackles, 14.5 TFLs, seven sacks, 15 QB hurries, and two forced fumbles. Zock’s accolades included SoCon Freshman of the Year, All-SoCon Second Team, FCS Freshman All-American, and finishing No. 4 in the Jerry Rice Award voting.
93: North Dakota State DE Toby Anene
Anene had a strong finish to his sophomore season last year as one of NDSU’s starting defensive ends. The 6-foot-4 and 260-pounder totaled 29 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, six quarterback hurries, four pass breakups, and four forced fumbles. Two of his better games came in the playoffs, posting four tackles and 1.5 sacks vs. Mercer in the quarterfinals and a season-high five tackles vs. Montana State in the championship game. Anene had the No. 40 overall PFF grade among FCS edge defenders.
92: Duquesne DE Jack Dunkley
Dunkley enjoyed a breakout sophomore season in 2024. The 6-foot-4 and 250-pounder had five tackles and two sacks against FBS opponents Toledo and Boston College to start the year before dominating FCS competition. He also tallied two TFLs with a sack at Youngstown State. Dunkley totaled 27 tackles, 12.5 TFLs, 9.5 sacks, eight QB hurries, and three forced fumbles in 11 games. He recorded at least one sack in four of the final five contests, and his 0.86 sacks per game ranked 11th in the FCS. Dunkley earned First Team All-NEC honors.
91: Howard DE Noah Miles
Miles became a major piece of Howard’s defensive line last fall. The 6-foot-4 and 250-pound defensive end recorded 35 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, eight sacks, four quarterback hurries, and one forced fumble in 11 games. He garnered All-MEAC First Team accolades for his play. Miles was also awarded the Iron Bison Award, presented to a Howard male and female student-athlete who provides outstanding guidance and support and demonstrates what it means to be an Iron Bison.
90: Abilene Christian DE Kaghen Roach
Roach was one of multiple splash FBS transfers ACU landed before the 2024 season. The Wildcats went on to finish 9-5 and reached the FCS playoffs for the first time. Roach, a 6-foot-5 and 255-pound defensive end from North Texas, totaled 64 tackles, 10 TFLs, three sacks, six quarterback hurries, three pass breakups, and an interception in 14 games last year, earning All-UAC Second Team honors.
89: UIW TE Logan Compton
Compton was a key addition to UIW’s offense last fall, arriving from Houston via the transfer portal. UIW’s No. 10 FCS passing offense was led by two 1,000-yard receivers in Jalen Walthall (who also returns this year) and Roy Alexander. Compton played a key role in the passing game as well when called upon, recording 18 catches for 219 yards and four touchdowns. His debut season at UIW was honored with All-Southland Conference First Team accolades. Compton was also voted the best non-FBS tight end in the state of Texas by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football.
88: Abilene Christian TE Jed Castles
A 3-star high school recruit and ranked the No. 12 tight end in the nation, Castles began his college career at Texas Tech in 2021. He transferred to ACU in 2022 and began to thrive in 2023. That season, Castles had 25 catches for 241 yards and three touchdowns, garnering All-UAC Second Team accolades. Last fall, the 6-foot-7 and 235-pounder hauled in 15 passes for 223 yards and four TDs, averaging 14.9 yards per catch as ACU’s passing offense ranked No. 7 in the FCS (304.2 YPG). Castles was named to the All-UAC First Team.
87: William & Mary TE Sean McElwain
McElwain emerged as a solid target for W&M as a redshirt freshman in 2023. The 6-foot-5 and 220-pound tight end caught 22 passes for 312 yards. Last fall, he became an even bigger threat and found a knack for the end zone. McElwain recorded 20 receptions for 361 yards and five touchdowns, earning All-CAA Honorable Mention. He also helped block for a rushing attack that averaged 232.8 yards per game, which ranked No. 4 in the FCS.
86: Monmouth TE Jack Neri
Monmouth has a loaded passing attack entering 2025 after finishing last season with the No. 2 FCS passing offense (332.5 YPG). Derek Robertson is back after throwing for 3,937 yards, 31 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He has his top four wide receivers returning – Josh Derry (917 yards), TJ Speight (896), Gavin Nelson (643), and Tra Neal (490). Monmouth’s top tight end is also back, and Neri looks to be one of the FCS’ best this fall. In 2023, the 6-foot-3 and 245-pounder had 22 receptions for 157 yards and a touchdown. His production increased last year, recording 32 catches for 329 yards and five scores, earning All-CAA Honorable Mention.
85: William & Mary TE Trey McDonald
McDonald is a two-year starter and has been an integral part of W&M’s rushing attack as a blocker. The Tribe finished No. 4 in FCS rushing offense last year (232.8 YPG) and No. 13 in 2023 (196.9 YPG). McDonald, who is 6-foot-6 and 230 pounds, was named on the All-CAA Third Team as a fullback last fall. He played more than 60 snaps at fullback or halfback and more than 360 as an in-line tight end. In the passing game, he caught 10 passes for 130 yards. Two seasons ago, McDonald had 10 catches for 123 yards and one touchdown.
84: Southern Utah TE Chase Merrell
Merrell had an impactful sophomore season for SUU in 2024. The 6-foot-5 and 210-pound tight end recorded 20 catches for 195 yards and four touchdowns. He came on strong down the stretch as the Thunderbirds pushed for a playoff bid. Merrell had three touchdown grabs in the final five games, including one apiece in the last two games. PFF graded Merrell as the No. 40 overall FCS tight end, and his receiving grade ranked No. 26. His 20 receptions came on 25 targets while tallying three contested catches with zero drops.
83: Eastern Kentucky WR Marcus Calwise Jr.
Jersey numbers are based on 2024 rosters. Calwise is wearing No. 3 this fall.
Calwise was a big recruiting get for Eastern Kentucky in the class of 2024. He chose EKU over eight FBS offers, and his presence was felt immediately as a true freshman. Last year, the 5-foot-10 and 190-pounder led the Colonels with 42 receptions for 526 yards and five touchdowns. His 42 catches came on 62 targets, coming down with 67 percent of his targets while only registering one drop. Calwise’s standout debut season was recognized with FCS Freshman All-American honors.
82: South Dakota State TE Coleman Kuntz
Kuntz is transferring to SDSU after three seasons at Sac State. A three-star high school recruit, he got on the field right away as a true freshman in 2022, grabbing five passes for 71 yards. Kuntz hit the starting lineup in 2023, and the 6-foot-3 and 239-pounder tallied 20 catches for 236 yards. Last season, Kuntz played in nine games before a season-ending injury. He totaled 25 catches for 191 yards and two touchdowns. Thirteen of his 25 receptions went for first downs. Kuntz caught at least one pass in each game he played last year and had three or more catches in four games.
81: Harvard TE Seamus Gilmartin
Gilmartin was a three-star high school recruit, and he made a significant impact for Harvard during his second year on campus. In 10 games last fall, he caught 18 passes for 379 yards and four touchdowns, getting named to the All-Ivy League Second Team as a sophomore. Gilmartin caught at least one pass in the final eight games. He averaged 21.1 yards per catch, 17 of his 18 catches went for first downs, and he did not register one drop. Gilmartin’s overall PFF grade ranked No. 15 among FCS tight ends.
80: Stony Brook WR Jayce Freeman
Freeman is a big-play threat for Stony Brook’s offense. After recording 24 catches for 388 yards and a touchdown in 2023, he got even more explosive last year as the Seawolves improved from 0-10 to 8-4. The 6-foot-4 and 215-pounder hauled in 23 receptions for 506 yards and six touchdowns. Freeman’s 22 yards per catch ranked No. 3 in the FCS while he registered only one drop. He especially finished the season strong, scoring all six of his touchdowns in the final six games.
79: UC Davis OL Ernesto Nava
Nava stepped up big-time for UC Davis’ offensive line last year, entering the lineup and starting 13 games at tackle. He helped pave the way for All-American running back Lan Larison and protected All-Big Sky quarterback Miles Hastings. The 6-foot-4 and 305-pounder logged more than 900 snaps as the Aggies advanced to the quarterfinals. Nava allowed just one sack, one hit, and nine hurries, getting honored as an All-Big Sky Honorable Mention.
78: Youngstown State OL Desmeal Leigh
Leigh is a massive offensive tackle, standing 6-foot-7 and weighing 325 pounds. He has started all 25 games at left tackle for YSU in the last two seasons as a redshirt freshman and sophomore, earning Honorable Mention All-MVFC last year. Leigh played only one season of high school football, making his ceiling very high as he continues to develop. Last fall, Leigh allowed only three sacks, two QB hits, and nine hurries, grading out with a 97.9 PFF pass-blocking efficiency.
77: Columbia OL Noah Jordan
Jordan is one of the top returning FCS offensive tackles as he enters his senior year. The 6-foot-5 and 320-pounder is coming off of an All-Ivy League Second Team season. PFF graded Jordan as the No. 11 FCS offensive tackle. Jordan allowed two sacks, six hits, and 10 pressures, earning a 97 percent pass-blocking efficiency.
76: South Dakota State OL Sam Hagen
Hagen enters his fourth year starting in the MVFC. He began his career at North Dakota in 2021 and hit the starting lineup in 2022 with five starts at right tackle as a redshirt freshman. Hagen started all 12 games at right guard for the Fighting Hawks the next season. Hagen then entered the transfer portal and landed at SDSU in 2024, taking over starting duties at right tackle. The 6-foot-6 and 315-pounder helped SDSU rank No. 1 in the FCS in sacks allowed (0.53 per game) and No. 3 in FCS rushing offense (236.1 YPG).
75: Dartmouth OL Delby Lemieux
Lemieux is a two-time All-Ivy League selection entering his senior season and is a top returning FCS offensive lineman. After earning All-Conference Honorable Mention in 2023, he was named to the All-Ivy League First Team last fall. The 6-foot-4 and 280-pounder allowed zero sacks, three QB hits, and six hurries, grading out as PFF’s No. 7 FCS offensive tackle. Lemieux also earned three FCS All-American honors from FCS Football Central, the Associated Press, and Phil Steele.
74: Penn OL Netinho Olivieri
Olivieri has started 18 games at left tackle in 2023 and 2024. He enters his senior season as one of the best returning FCS offensive linemen. At 6-foot-5 and 305 pounds, Olivieri helped block for running back Malachi Hosley, who was the 2024 Ivy League Offensive Player of the Year. He also owned the No. 5 PFF pass-blocking grade among FCS offensive tackles. Olivieri allowed zero sacks, zero QB hits, and two hurries, owning an elite 99.7 pass-blocking efficiency and earning All-Ivy League First Team honors.
73: South Dakota State OL Nate Adams
Adams transferred to SDSU this offseason from Stephen F. Austin, where he was a two-year starter and 2024 All-Southland Conference Second Team performer. Last year, the 6-foot-7 and 321-pounder showed off some versatility, playing 364 snaps at right tackle, 257 at center, 48 at right guard, and 40 at left guard. Adams allowed two sacks, zero QB hits, and six hurries, earning a 98.7 pass-blocking efficiency. His 89.0 PFF pass-blocking grade ranked No. 6 among FCS offensive tackles. Adams adds to an SDSU offensive line that returns last year’s starting tackles — Quinten Christensen and Sam Hagen.
72: Penn OL William Bergin
Bergin is entering his third year as a starter at Penn, starting at right guard in 2023 and center in 2024. Last year, he helped plow the way for running back Malachi Hosley, who was the 2024 Ivy League Offensive Player of the Year. Bergin was named on the All-Ivy League Second Team while being graded as PFF’s No. 4 FCS center. The 6-foot-3 and 300-pounder had the third-best run-blocking grade among FCS centers. In pass protection, he allowed zero sacks, zero QB hits, and two hurries for a 99.7 pass-blocking efficiency.
71: Weber State OL Gavin Ortega
Ortega is a two-year starter on Weber State’s offensive line and enters 2025 as a top FCS offensive lineman. Last year, the 6-foot-5 and 300-pounder graded out as PFF’s No. 19 FCS offensive tackle. Ortega allowed zero sacks, two quarterback hits, and four hurries. His play was honored with All-Big Sky Second Team accolades. Expect Ortega to be named on several FCS preseason All-American teams this summer.
70: UIW OL Traveon Newsome
Newsome was a great FCS transfer portal get for UIW last offseason. He arrived after playing nearly 500 snaps in 2022 and over 650 snaps in 2023 at Southern. Newsome, who is 6-foot-2 and 350 pounds, continued his starting experience for UIW, logging more than 900 snaps. His 89.0 PFF pass-blocking grade ranked No. 6 among FCS offensive guards, allowing zero sacks, no QB hits, and seven hurries. Newsome earned All-Southland First Team honors and was named Phil Steele’s Southland Conference Offensive Lineman of the Year.
69: South Dakota State OL Quinten Christensen
Christensen stepped into SDSU’s starting left tackle spot last year as a redshirt sophomore. He helped the Jacks rank No. 1 in FCS sacks allowed per game (0.53) and No. 3 in FCS rushing offense (236.1 yards per game). The 6-foot-5, 300-pounder allowed no sacks, no quarterback hits, and 11 hurries. A potential NFL Draft prospect in a couple of years, Christensen turned down P4 NIL deals to return to SDSU. He’s ranked as a Top 10 returning FCS offensive lineman by HERO Sports and FCS Football Central.
68: Illinois State OL Landon Woodard
Woodard hit the starting lineup for Illinois State last year, starting all 14 games at guard and leading the offense with 998 snaps. He blocked for 1,100-yard running back Wenkers Wright, who also returns in 2025, while owning the No. 20 PFF pass-blocking grade among FCS offensive guards. Woodard (6-foot-5, 330 pounds) allowed zero sacks, two quarterback hits, and six hurries, good for a 99.2 pass-blocking efficiency.
67: Illinois State OL Jake Pope
Pope is a two-year starter on ISU’s offensive line, plowing the way for two straight All-MVFC running backs, Mason King (2023) and Wenkers Wright (2024). King and Wright also return this fall. Last year, Pope owned the No. 22 overall PFF grade for an FCS offensive tackle. The 6-foot-7 and 310-pounder, who began his college career at Kentucky as a three-star recruit before transferring to ISU in 2022, is expected to have a big final season as a graduate student. Due to redshirts, the COVID year, and a medical redshirt, this is his seventh year of college football.
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