Few Sonoma State football players were as dominating as Sam Hernandez. At defensive lineman, Hernandez anchored a Sonoma State defense that compiled a 16-5 overall record and miraculous run to the NCAC Championship in 1991.
In 1990, Hernandez and the Sonoma State defense allowed just 15.6 points per game and even more impressively, only 58.3 rushing yards per game. The then-Cossack defense forced 43 turnovers on the ear with Hernandez adding two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown, and three fumble recoveries. The Cossacks would finish the year 7-3 overall and 4-1 in the NCAC just one game behind conference powerhouse UC Davis, something that would soon change with Hernandez's help. Hernandez racked up 13 sacks, 71 total tackles, and 25 tackles for a loss during the season. For his efforts in the 1990 season, Hernandez was named NCAC Defensive Player of the Year as well as SSU Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All-NCAC.
1991 was a historic year for Sonoma State football. The team would finish the year with a 9-2 record and in the last game of the season they would end UC Davis' NCAA record 20-year reign of conference championships by handing them a 23-12 loss. The 1991 team finished the season a perfect 5-0 in thr NCAC, claiming the conference championship. Hernandez once again led a strong SOnoma State defense, which allowed 15.9 poins per game and 63.6 rushing yards per game. The defense forced 41 turnovers on the year, with Hernandez recording two interceptions for 71 yards and a touchdown.
Hernandez one again set himself apart from his counterparts with his individual play. In 1991 alone Hernandez recorded 12.5 sacks and 79 total tacklies. Hernandez was again named NCAC Defensive Player of the Year in 1991 and also added SSU Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All-NCAC honors.
Hernandez was not done dominating on the football field when his years as a Cossack were over. Upon graduatin, Hernandez began playing in the Arena Football LEague for the San Jose Sabercats. With the Sabercats, Hernandez returned to the championship platform as Arena Football League Champions in 2002. Hernandez has also received individual success in the league, earning All-AFL honors three times, Lineman of the Year Honors in 2000, becoming the only player in AFL history to record five or more QB sacks in five different seasons, and becomng the league's all-time leader in sacks with 49. Hernandez is widely regarded as the greatest lineman in Arena Football history.
