Today is Wednesday, July 10, 2013. While some of our opponents are out driving under the influence, we're here, hard at work, providing yet another countdown. Today's profile is for Charles Bertoli who is actually #35. Since he shares with Darian Thompson, we will take the opportunity to use up another unassigned number.
#52, Charles Bertoli, RS Freshman, RB
Stats
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 199lbs
Hometown: St. Helena, California
High School: St. Helena
How'd he get to The Blue™?
Bertoli was a preferred walk-on beginning in the fall of 2012. The running back from California's wine country was lightly recruited after high school despite posting 1,200 yards and scored 37 total touchdowns as a senior and more than 1,100 yards and 16 touchdowns as a junior. I can't find any information about any scholarship offers that may have been extended, but I'm fairly certain he was a popular name among California D-II, D-III, and JC coaches. Considering his YouTube channel, you'd think the kid would have generated more interest. Can you say, "Chip on his shoulder"...
Nickname
Look-a-like
Actor Jeremy Renner
Career Highlights
Bertoli boasts numerous accolades from his prep career. A four-year letterwinner at St. Helena High, he was named Napa County Player of the Year, Redwood Empire Player of the Year and North Central League I Most Valuable Player as a senior. He was also named league MVP and all-county following his junior year.
2013 Prospectus
As a walk-on running back on the same squad as the All-Names Team of RBs (Jay Ajayi, Derrick Thomas, Jack Fields, Devan Demas, and The Wizard, Aaron Baltazar), it seems like it might be a quiet year for Mr. Bertoli. If spring testing results count for anything, however, Bertoli might be making some noise sooner than later. He posted a 4.05 second mark in the pro agility drill and 38.5 inches in the vertical jump, placing third and fourth on the squad respectively. Of course, you have to take these scores with a grain of salt. For example, with his scores this spring, Ebo Makinde would have posted the fastest 40yd dash, 3-cone, and pro agility times at the NFL COMBINE. NFL Combine results are regarded as more accurate. Additionally, impressive measurables don't necessarily translate to on-field performance (Yes, I'm looking at you Mr. Makinde, Mr. Burks, and Mr. Boldewijn). With that being said, I think those testing results speak to Bertoli's work ethic and mindset coming off of his redshirt year. Hopefully, he can step in and be a terror on special teams like he showed in his highlight film. I feel bad for this ball carrier:
Completely made up fact
After seeing his vertical jumping ability, the Italian SerieA Basketball club Banco di Sardegna Sasssari offered Bertoli a three year contract and the nickname "Air Bertoli".