As we hit the preview portion of the 2024 FCS offseason, HERO Sports will rank the top returning players by position group.
While what happens on the field and how things finish at the end of the season is what really matters, preseason rankings give fans an idea of what players and teams they should keep an eye on.
MORE: 2024 Preseason Preview Central
Here are the top returning FCS safeties entering the 2024 season.
These rankings are formed by a combination of on-field production, postseason accolades, PFF grades, pro potential, and the author’s opinion/FCS knowledge (watching games, knowing what system players are in, strength of opponents, etc.).
Best Returning Safeties
30. Kimal Clark, CCSU
29. Marcus Barnes, William & Mary
28. Edwin White Schultz, North Alabama
27. Mike Smith Jr., Eastern Kentucky
26. Emari Pait, Alabama A&M
25. Ryder Meyer, Montana
24. Keondre Jackson, Illinois State
23. Tommy McCormick, Idaho
22. Rylan Ortt, Montana State
21. Ty Trinh, Villanova
20. Calvin Pitcher, Idaho State
19. Dennis Shorter, South Dakota
18. Alex McLaughlin, Northern Arizona
17. Chris Hope, ETSU
16. Todric McGee, Missouri State
15. Maddix Blackwell, Indiana State
14. Ty Bartrum, Harvard
13. Nick Bafia, Butler
12. Shiloh Means, Penn
11. Tim Coutras, Tennessee Tech
10. Khalil Baker, Elon (transfer from NC Central)
9. Tyler Morton, Nicholls
8. Max Epps, Texas A&M-Commerce
7. Rex Connors, UC Davis
6. TaMuarion Wilson, Central Arkansas
5. Caleb Curtain, Elon
- 6-1, 196 lbs
- 2023: 80 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, 4.5 sacks, 4 INT, 6 pass breakups
- 2023 All-CAA First Team
- 2023 4x All-American
4. Saiku White, Lafayette
- 6-0, 201 lbs
- 2022: 84 tackles, 1 INT, 4 pass breakups
- 2023: 77 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 4 INT, 4 pass breakups
- 2023 PFF No. 4-graded FCS safety
- 2023 All-Patriot League First Team
- 2023 2x All-American
3. Tucker Large, South Dakota State
- 5-10, 180 lbs
- 2022 MVFC All-Newcomer Team
- 2023 All-MVFC First Team
- 2023: 49 tackles, 4 INT, 9 passes defended
- 21 punt returns, 396 yards, 1 TD
- 2023 PFF No. 8-graded FCS safety
- 2023 FCS Football Central 3rd Team All-American
2. Kenny Gallop Jr., Howard
- 6-1, 214 lbs
- 3x All-MEAC, 2x First Team
- 2021: 75 tackles, 2 TFLs, 4 pass breakups
- 2022: 93 tackles, 3 TFLs, 4 pass breakups
- 2023: 72 tackles, 4 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, 2 FF, 3 INT, 3 pass breakups
- 2023 PFF No. 25-graded FCS safety
- 2023 4x FCS All-American
- 2023 MEAC Defensive Player of the Year
1. Cole Wisniewski, North Dakota State
- 6-4, 219 lbs
- Converted from LB to safety in 2023
- 2023: 92 tackles, 2 TFLs, 8 INT, 239 INT return yards, 5 pass breakups
- PFF No. 1-graded FCS/FBS safety
- All-MVFC First Team
- Consensus First Team All-American
- Draft Scout’s No. 87 overall prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft (Day 2 projection)
