Fresno State Athletics
Cunningham Honored by ESPN
4/15/2010 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 15, 2010
FRESNO, Calif. - Remember that wild victory over Illinois in the fall of 2009?
The Bulldog football team was down by one after a spectacular touchdown by Jamel Hamler. With just two seconds left on the clock, the coaches called for a two-point conversion play to win the game.
Can you remember offensive lineman, Devan Cunningham, catching a deflected pass on a scramble play from quarterback, Ryan Colburn? Bring back those memories of Cunningham powering into the end zone for a 2-point conversion, giving the Bulldogs an intense 53-52 victory. Can you remember? Well the ESPN College Football Final crew remembered that moment too.
The ESPN College Football Final crew recognized Fresno State and Devan Cunningham for his outstanding performance on December 5, 2009, in the game against the Big 10's Illinois.
In a letter to the Athletic Communications Department they stated, "His [Cunningham] game winning two-point conversion has earned the school a CFB Final Helmet Sticker and a signed t-shirt from Rece, Mayday and Dr. Lou. Congratulations from all of us."
Receiving the helmet sticker and signed t-shirt was a big honor for Devan especially since offensive lineman rarely receive recognition. Linemen are not spotlighted the way quarterbacks or running backs are. Cunningham recalled listening to the radio just a few days after and hearing a kid saying that Devan now represents all the offensive lineman who are out there working hard with no expectation of receiving media attention or YouTube video highlights.
And while Cunningham had no expectation of receiving any attention from the play, and he would be the first to admit that, the two-point conversion play at Illinois has been viewed over 62,000 views on YouTube. It is no wonder Cunningham has random people coming up to him and saying, "Hey you're the guy who caught the Illinois pass!" It is not a surprise that people still recognize him today.
Of being the focal point Cunningham said, "It was fun while it lasted, but good it was just one time."
Now a person has to wonder what it was like in that moment? What were the thoughts that went though #79's mind? Cunningham called it just reaction.
"I knew it was the last play and if we didn't score we would lose," he reflected. He also remembered looking down, seeing orange, and thinking, "I'm in!" He was quickly on the bottom of an intense `Dog pile waiting for the ref to call it. As soon as it was official his team pulled him up and celebrated the play and the victory together.
What Cunningham remembers most now looking back, is being a part of that play, which he called crazy. He also says that game was an all-out battle with each team scoring and making big plays and the `Dogs fighting, biting and clawing to gain the upper hand.
What was most special about the whole fiasco for Devan Cunningham was giving Coach Hill his 100th win, and to be able to be a part of it.
Cunningham smiled as he thought back to his teammates reactions. They were shocked it was Devan who caught the football and scored and he said they were asking him a million questions. Even today his, teammates say they think about it and start laughing and so does he.
Cunningham has no reports of any trick plays for the upcoming 2010 season and does not think that there are any in the works. But the senior offensive lineman and his teammates are excited to be back working this spring towards the upcoming 2010 season. Cunningham calls the veteran group, "The callous of the offense who make the offense go."
When they break out of a huddle they do so with the word, "Dominate", with a united passion to control the tempo of the game and establish their own will for what happens. And while that tempo and their will as a unit won't necessarily be including #79 on the receiving end of an offensive play, crazy things can happen.
So congratulations to Devan Cunningham and his recognition from ESPN. For a football player who, "Only touched the ball once in high school and never again," big plays can come from anyone and you never know who will end up on EPSNs Play of the Day. But for all the hard work and dedication and passion these athletes put in it must be nice to receive some attention and recognition.
"We are your Team!" The 2010 Bulldog football season kicks off Sept. 2 against defending Big East Champion Cincinnati at Bulldog Stadium. Come support Devan Cunningham and the rest of the Bulldogs. For ticket information click the tickets icon at the top of the page.
