22. Joe Bernardi – Fresno State

Joe Bernardi – 74 Fresno State 6-2 285

2010: Played in 10 games. Had an ankle injury.
2009: A leader among the front for an offense that produced NCAA rushing leader Ryan Mathews, No. 12 pick of the 2010 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers. Started 11 games and played in all 13. Fresno State's offense was among the nation's best, ranking No. 8 in rushing, No. 14 in scoring and No. 17 in total offense. Led the Dogs to the New Mexico Bowl for the second straight season.
2008: Started the final 12 games of the season at center and emerged as one of the WAC's best by season's end. A leader of the front five that saw three different back rush for more than 100-yards in games during the season, average 4.9 yards per rush and scored 24 touchdowns. The Dogs had six games of better than 400 total yards.
2007: Started six games last season before suffering a season-ending injury. Showed great promise in those six starts.
2006: Redshirted after joining the team in the spring of 2006.
High School: A first-team AIA 4A All-State team member as a center. Also named to the All-Arizona team by the Arizona Rebulic. Rated as the second-best lineman in Arizona and the state's top center. All-region and all-city (Flagstaff), as well. Was the first offensive lineman ever to be named region MVP. Also played defensive line for Flagstaff High School, recording 45 unassisted tackles, 13 assists, three hurries, three pass deflections and three sacks. Had one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Played two seasons at Hart High in Newhall, Calif.. His high schools teams had a combined three-year record of 34-6. Son of Gary Bernardi, an assistant football coach who has worked at Arizona, UCLA, Northern Arizona and currently UNLV. Coached by Craig Holland.
Personal: Born March 6, 1987 in Tucson, Ariz.. One of three children of Leigh and Gary Bernardi. Has a twin sister, Briana, who plays softball at UNLV. Lists his favorite athletes as Kyle Turley because he's the "nastiest offensive linemen ever" and Jonathan Ogden. Interested in becoming a sports broadcaster. Earned his degree in Communications in May.
Better in the: Passing game.