Broncos host former lacrosse star and DII national champion QB for a visit

You never know where you’re going to find a future NFL player.

The Denver Broncos seem to be leaving no stone unturned, hosting an interesting name for a pre-draft visit on Wednesday. Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network has the details.

This is an interesting one: Former Maryland Lacrosse Tewaaraton winner Jared Bernhardt, who transferred to Ferris State and led them to the football D2 National Championship as a QB, had a top 30 visit with the Broncos yesterday. He’ll be a WR/KR in the NFL.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 7, 2022

That’s a lot to digest, so let’s begin with this: Bernhardt is clearly an unbelievable athlete. The Tewaaraton Award is the lacrosse version of the Heisman Trophy. Winning that award is a big, big deal. For Bernhardt to capture that honor and win a DII football national championship is one of the most unique and amazing college careers a young man could have.

Bernhardt ended his lacrosse career as Maryland’s all-time record holder in career points (290), goals (202), single-season points (99), single-season goals (71), goals in a single NCAA Tournament (18) and points in a single NCAA Tournament (24). But he’s a stud football player as well.

At Ferris State Bernhardt played nine games at QB, throwing for more than 1,300 yards and 11 touchdowns. His legs were a big threat, rushing for 1,273 yards and 23 TDs. And yes, his team took home a championship, defeating Valdosta State (Ga.) 58-17 for a convincing victory this past December.

Bernhardt obviously wouldn’t play QB for the Broncos (thankfully that issue is solved), but as Rapaport mentioned, he could be a wide receiver / kick returner in the NFL. Denver definitely has a need at the latter, after moving on from Diontae Spencer this offseason. Whether Bernhardt can make it in the NFL remains to be seen, but his athleticism must be off the charts to be so elite at two separate collegiate sports.

He’s certainly worth keeping an eye on as the draft is just three weeks away.
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