A former Fresno State walk-on is helping the post-football careers of his more heralded ex-teammates take off running.
Juan Bautista was mainly a special teams player for the Bulldogs from 2000-02. After graduation, the Fresno native followed in his father’s footsteps by attending medical school and now practices family medicine in his hometown.
Bautista understands he’s a rare case. Sure, many Fresno State football players get their diplomas soon after they’re done playing. But there is also a fairly large group – particularly those with NFL aspirations – who conclude their Bulldogs careers without finishing the job in the classroom.