Cornell University Athletics

At Cornell
Hernandez served as defensive team captain as a senior in 2012, but was able to play in just two games due to injury and returns for a fifth year in 2013. He was a difference-maker in those contests, posting eight tackles and three tackles for loss. Hernandez had all three of his tackles for loss in the opener against Fordham. He recorded 30 tackles, two pass breakups and a tackle for loss while playing all 10 contests for the Big Red in 2011. Hernandez played in the defensive backfield and on special teams during the season en route to earning his second letter. He posted nine tackles and had a 60-yard tackle for loss after a blocked punt against Wagner, a play that made ESPN's Top 10 Plays of the Week. Hernandez also made six tackles and broke up a pass in the win over Bucknell. He earned his first varsity letter in 2011 after playing in all 10 contests at safety, including seven starts. He posted 34 tackles, including 21 solo stops, to go along with 1.5 tackles for loss, three pass breakups and an interception. Hernandez was credited with six tackles against both Colgate and Columbia and chipped in five against both Princeton and Dartmouth. He had his first career interception in the win over the Tigers, adding a tackle for loss in the victory. Hernandez was a member of the junior varsity as a freshman. He is enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences.

At Valencia
Hernandez posted 47 tackles, three sacks and an interception as a senior at Valencia HS, helping lead his team to a 10-3 record. Offensively, he caught 17 passes for 260 yards and three scores as a senior. Hernandez played wide receiver, defensive back and linebacker during his four year prep career and also lettered twice as the team’s point guard on the basketball team.

Personal
Michael Anthony Hernandez is the son of Michael and Josie Hernandez and has a younger brother and sister.