No. 9: Andy Bershak
No. 9
Name: Andy Bershak
Position: End
Jersey #: 59
Years: 1935-37
Honors: Consensus All-America in 1937; 2nd-team All-America in 1936; His No. 59 has been retired by UNC.
Notable Stats: NA
In Closing: A two-way starter at end, Bershak helped lead Carolina to a 23-4-1 record over a three-year span. UNC shut out 13 opponents in that span and allowed more than 14 points in a game just three times with totals of 25, 21 and 27 points. Conversely, Carolina scored 20 or more points 12 times, including reaching the 50-point mark three times. Led Carolina in receiving in 1937. Had 2 TD receptions in a 20-0 win at N.C. State in 1937. In UNC’s first game at Yankee Stadium, Bershak forced and recovered 2 fumbles in a 14-13 win over NYU.
He was described as “the greatest end in the history of North Carolina” during his senior season. Described by a writer about two decades after he played as a “defensive terror.” Bershak was selected for the prestigious Order of the Golden Fleece and was the president of the Carolina Athletic Association. But he fell ill in the spring of his senior year and never played in the NFL. After helping as an assistant coach for the football team for a few years, Bershak later determined to have Bright’s Disease, which took his life in 1943.
Prior Ranked Heels
30 - Natrone Means
29 - Jack Merritt
28 - Landon Turner
27 - Chris Hanburger
26 - Jeff Saturday
25 - Bob Lacey
24 - Bracey Walker
23 - Ethan Horton
22 - Brian Blados
21 - Leon Johnson
20 - George Barclay
19 - Brian Simmons
18 - David Drechsler
17 - Dee Hardison
16 - Ken Huff
15 - Marcus Jones
14 - Harris Barton
13 - Greg Ellis
12 - Paul Severin
11 - Mike Voight
10 - Dre' Bly