Jared Bernhardt, the 2021 Tewaaraton Award winner and the No. 2 scorer in Maryland men’s lacrosse history who recently won the Division II national football championship as the quarterback at Ferris State, has signed as an undrafted free agent with the Atlanta Falcons.
ESPN’s Field Yates was first to report the news.
At Maryland’s Pro Day at the end of March, Bernhardt displayed his versatility by working out as a quarterback, receiver and defensive back.
Bernhardt thrived this fall in the triple-option offense at Ferris State, winning GLIAC Player of the Year honors. He accumulated 1,273 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns on 145 carries and also completed 87 of 123 passing attempts for 1,322 yards and 11 touchdowns. In the national championship game — a 58-17 win over Valdosta State — Bernhardt ran 14 times for 148 yards and three touchdowns. He did not attempt a pass in that game.
While speaking to media after his Pro Day performance, Bernhardt appeared laser-focused on getting his shot in the NFL. His late father, Jim, was on the football staffs of Penn State and the Houston Texans.