Along with the conference accolades, Hess solidified his place in Redhawk history with several record-setting performances in his senior season. Throughout the regular season, he led the FCS in total touchdowns with 21 while ranking in the top 3 of the FCS in rushing touchdowns, yards per carry, and total rushing yards. In early October, he broke SEMO’s school record for all-time career touchdowns and rushing touchdowns.

Hess went out of the 2022 season with a bang, securing two more records in the regular season finale against Murray State. In that contest, he rushed for 317 yards on 26 carries, breaking the SEMO school record and the OVC record for single-game rushing yards. The Redhawks moved on to the playoffs where Hess broke the conference career scoring record, finishing with 330 total points. His accolades earned him first team honors on the 2022 Associated Press All-America Team and a top five finish in the 2022 Walter Payton Award balloting.

Hess isn’t finished with his accomplishments at Southeast Missouri State. After the season, Hess announced that he will be back for the 2023 season to round out his collegiate career. If 2022 was any indication, there is more coming from the Redhawk running back.

We sat down with Hess after the season to talk about what it means to him to break all these records. He talks about how he would not be able to do what he does without the coaches and players supporting him and pushing him to the next level. Hear directly from him about this past season.