The Atlanta Falcons unveiled their preliminary 53-man roster for the 2022 season and one of many gamers was Jared Bernhardt — a man with a terrific Division I faculty athletics resume, however not in soccer. The large receiver had by no means really performed that place, as a substitute, he’s a former lacrosse star.
Bernhardt was on the soccer and lacrosse groups in highschool, however he selected to pursue lacrosse in faculty. He acquired to Maryland because the No. 3 general recruit in his class, and he actually lived as much as the expectations. The four-time All-American earned the 2021 Tewaaraton Award, which is taken into account the Heisman Trophy of lacrosse. He additionally earned the 2021 Huge Ten Offensive Participant of the Yr honor.
After that profitable season, he had a 12 months of eligibility left because of the COVID-19 pandemic so he determined to switch to Ferris State, a Division II faculty, to play quarterback. He had not competed in soccer since 2016, however earned the beginning spot. Regardless of not enjoying soccer shortly, Bernhardt threw fore 11 touchdowns and 1,322 yards, finishing greater than 70 % of his throws. He additionally rushed for 26 touchdowns and 1,421 yards on 159 makes an attempt. Bernhardt was solely at Ferris State for a 12 months, however he left his mark as he led the crew to an ideal 14-0 report and this system’s first ever nationwide championship.
Too straightforward. So he needed to problem himself much more. Bernhardt, undrafted within the 2022 NFL Draft, turned heads on the Falcons camp this summer time.
He helped the Falcons to a 27-23 victory of their preseason opener towards the Detroit Lions with the game-winning catch on a move from rookie quarterback Desmond Rider with simply 90 seconds remaining within the recreation. By way of the three preseason video games, Bernhardt registered 5 catches for 102 yards and a landing.
The Falcons completed the 2021 season with a 7-10 report throughout Arthur Smith’s first 12 months because the helm. Maybe Bernhardt will proceed his successful streak and be the additional push that the Falcons want this upcoming season.
