Fresno State Athletics
Berrian to Redshirt 2002 Football Season
10/9/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 9, 2002
FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno State All-American wide receiver Bernard Berrian has announced he will redshirt the 2002 football season and return at full strength for 2003.
The senior suffered a sprained knee returning a punt during the first quarter in the season opener at Wisconsin and has not played suffering the injury. Although not at full strength heading into last week's game against Colorado State, Berrian could have played had the redshirt year not have been available to him.
"At this point, I think it is in the team's best interests if I redshirt and come back next year," Berrian said. "Now I will have the opportunity to work with our young receivers and get ready for the 2003 season. And I'll also be able to graduate on time with the rest of my class, and that is very important to me and my family."
Berrian, who will receive a B.A. in communications in June 2003, entered this season as a candidate for the Biletnikoff Award, presented annually to the nation's top wide receiver, and All-America honors. In his only playing time of the year, he started strong by catching two passes for 54 yards and a touchdown before going down on the final play of the first quarter.
 | "Now I will have the opportunity to work with our young receivers and get ready for the 2003 season. And I'll also be able to graduate on time with the rest of my class, and that is very important to me and my family." Bernard Berrian |
The Winton, Calif., native established a WAC all-purpose yardage record in 2001 by racking up 2,776 while becoming one of the nation's most feared offensive weapons. He finished last season with 1,364 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. Berrian ranks fourth in program history in receiving touchdowns (20) and seventh in receptions (134) and receiving yards (2,127).
"We are thrilled at the idea of having Bernard back for next year," head coach Pat Hill said. "It has been very hard for him not to make a much of a contribution on the field. He's a guy who grew up in the Valley, and he wants to be a part of Fresno State football when he's 100 percent. He could have played last week, but with the redshirt season an option for him, it made sense to come back next year. And with the young receivers coming along like they are, we have the opportunity to have the best corps of wideouts we've ever had here."
