Bakersfield College running back Bruce Frieson reached 1,000 yards in his second season on Oct. 25 against Glendale, as he joined BC’s David Turner as the second BC football player to reach 1,000 yards in two seasons.
Frieson also surpassed BC’s Greg Jones for third on the all-time career-rushing list in a 31-17 loss to Ventura College on Nov. 1. Frieson had 130 yards and carried the ball 24 times. Frieson currently has 2,409 yards in his two years as a Renegade.
On. Oct. 25, Frieson passed J.R. Rogers for fourth place in all-time career-rushing yards in a 45-21 victory over Glendale.
Frieson, 20, is originally from Cleveland, and football has been a part of his life since he was 6 years old when his older brother, Michael Rice, introduced him to the sport. Frieson attended Glenville Academy in Cleveland and played football for the school.
Frieson’s brother Rice also played football in high school but never attempted to play college football. Rice currently lives and works in Cleveland.
Frieson’s younger brother, Shannon, plays football as a freshman at Kentucky State University as a running back and kick returner.
Frieson’s previous college was Toledo University where he spent a year as a red-shirt freshman. Toledo offensive coordinator Chris Hedden suggested that he head west and play for BC to receive some playing time.
Coach Jeff Chudy said about Frieson, “Everything he does is 100 percent. We’re big believers in ‘you play like you practice.'”
With Frieson showing up to every practice, assistant coach Carl Dean said, “He sets the tone by finishing drills and leads by example.”
Dean said, “He can be a vocal leader.” But more importantly to the coaches, he leads by example.
Chudy sees great potential for Frieson, as he said, “He’s got unbelievable work ethic. He works as hard as any other player on the team and stays in shape. He’s there at 6:30 a.m. practices on time.”
Dean said, “Bruce is a consistent workforce. He gives an outstanding effort every time on Saturdays.”
Chudy said about his accomplishments so far in the season, “He works hard and has played with great players,” and added, “In football, you have to have complementary pieces, and our offensive line is one of the best around at this level.”
Frieson’s relationship with his BC teammates is very good. In his time off, Frieson said, “I hang out with teammates, and I watch a lot of movies.”
Frieson’s favorite actor is Denzel Washington because “He’s really confident in the roles he plays,” he said.
Frieson says he has a “pretty good diet with a lot of protein and calcium.” But in the off-season, he eats more and with less concern for getting in protein or calcium.
Frieson’s pre-game ritual, along with stretching, is to “Thank the Lord in prayer and thank Him for the opportunity to play,” he said.
Chudy said, “He’s a very selfless guy,” to which coach Dean added, “No matter who’s running the ball on the field, Frieson, (Andre) Smith or any other running back, there’s no need for glory on who scores touchdowns.”
Frieson has always been humble about his achievements. “That’s the way my mom raised me,” he said.
However, Frieson is still proud of his accomplishments, as he said when announcer Carl Bryan announced his name for the milestones at the Glendale game, “Honestly, I was just happy, but I was still thinking about the game.”
Frieson is optimistic about the future. “I just have to stay focused and continue to get better,” he said.
Frieson is currently being scouted by Kansas State, but Frieson has other plans, as he said, “I’m leaning toward Toledo,” to make his return to the team.
Frieson’s eventual goal is to make it to the National Football League, and he would like to be a coach following a career in the NFL. “I’d like to coach at a top (college) program,” he said.
Frieson expressed his feelings toward athletics, as he said, “I always had a passion for sports.”