After suffering a sprained knee
returning a punt during the first quarter in the season opener at
Wisconsin, Fresno State receiver Bernard Berrian announced he will sit
out the rest of the season and take a redshirt in 2002.
Although not at full strength
Berrian could have played against Colorado State but feels using a
red-shirt year is his best option.
"At this point, I think it is in the team's best interests if
I come back next year," Berrian said. "Now I
will be able to graduate on time
with the rest of my class, and that is very important to me and my
family."
A candidate for the Biletnikoff Award
in 2002, Berrian started strong against Wisconsin by
catching two passes for 54 yards and a touchdown before going down on
the final play of the first quarter.
Establishing a WAC all-purpose yardage
record in 2001 with 2,776 yards, he was one of David Carr's favorite
targets and finished last season with 1,364
receiving yards and 13 touchdowns.
TFY
Analysis: In the end this was the best decision for Berrian. Originally
considered a possible late pick in the first round next April, his
stock would have plummeted based on two factors; his inability to play
with a new quarterback because of his injury and more importantly, the
performances of an outstanding group of junior pass catchers which
would've just pushed Berrian further into day one. He know has
the opportunity to come back healthy in 2003 and regain the momentum
he began building last season. Not let's see what Lee Evans
decides to do.