Cerean Mikey Duran expressed gratitude after wrapping up his college football career with the University of Redlands this past month.

The 2019 Central Catholic High School grad thanked his family and coaches for their support throughout the years.

Duran got to live out a lifelong dream.

“In elementary school, I wrote I wanted to be a college football player,” the 6-foot-tall 279-pound defensive lineman said. “I did that. I’m definitely grateful.”

Recruited by seven different colleges, Duran moved to Southern California in 2019 to continue his education and athletic career at the University of Redlands.

“As a senior, I wasn’t heavily recruited until late,” he said. “A big reason I was interested in Redlands is winning is huge here. I just wanted the opportunity to play and earn my degree. I’m glad I came to Redlands. I don’t have any regrets. The entire journey was amazing. A lot of memories. I tried to be the best version of myself every day.”

Duran’s parents, Mike and Viola, attended all of his college games.

They made the five-plus-hour drive from Ceres to Redlands to watch him play.

They also traveled to away contests.

Duran suited up for the Bulldogs for the final time on Nov. 12.

“There were a lot of emotions,” he said. “I was crying. I’ve played this sport since I was 10 years old. All good things come to an end.”

Duran collected two tackles in Redlands’ 21-6 home loss to Claremont-Mudd Scripts in the third-place game between the Sun & Surf Divisions at Ted Runner Stadium.

He hugged his parents after walking off the field following his last game.

“I thanked them for all the sacrifices they made,” Duran said. “They allowed me to play the sport I love. They made trips to all of my games. They were always there for me. I hope I made them proud.”

Duran enjoyed one of his most productive games to date with the Bulldogs on Senior Day.

He returned his first-ever interception 3 yards for a touchdown in a 40-12 win over Laverne University on Oct. 29.

He totaled four tackles and one sack.

“It’s a night I’ll always remember,” Duran said. “It was a great experience.”

“We were clicking on all cylinders,” he added.

Duran had 21 tackles, 11/2 sacks, one interception—which was returned for a touchdown—and two pass breakup during his final season. 

“Because of COVID, NCAA granted every fall student-athlete an extra year of eligibility,” he said. “I decided to use it. I wanted one more chance to play the game I love with my friends.”

Duran was named his team’s Defensive Lineman of the Year for the second straight season.

“I ended my career on a good note. I did my job to the best of my ability. I was happy to get the recognition from my coaches and teammates. That meant more to me to have their respect.”

Led by Duran, Redlands’ team run defense ranked second in the country at the Division-III level.

“I believe I had an impact on every game. Teams weren’t running the ball up the middle. My pass rush was also there.”

Redlands amassed a 5-5 overall record and finished in fourth place in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) standings with a 4-4 mark.

“We expected bigger things,” Duran said. “We fell a little short. It was definitely worth coming back one more year. I was able to play with my brothers one more time.”

Duran earned first-team all-SCIAC honors in 2022.

He set career-high marks for tackles (23), tackles for loss (4.5) and sacks (1).

Duran’s teams at the University of Redlands amassed a 26-15 overall record (20-7 in league), captured one SCIAC title and secured a pair of berths to the NCAA National Championships.

The Bulldogs advanced to Nationals, went 8-2 and placed first in the SCIAC with a perfect 6-0 record in 2021.

Duran had eight tackles, including three for a loss, and one fumble recovery in nine games.

The 2020 season was canceled due to safety concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic.

Duran tallied four tackles in seven games as a true freshman for Redlands, which qualified for Nationals, compiled a 9-2 overall record and finished second in the SCIAC (6-1).

“I enjoyed every part of the journey. It molded me into the man I became today.”

A graduate student at the University of Redlands, Duran earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the college this past spring. He had a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0.

“It’s something I’m proud of myself for,” said Duran, who will receive his master’s degree in business next fall.

Duran played two seasons of varsity football at Central Catholic.

The two-way lineman earned first-team all-Valley Oak League honors this past fall for his outstanding play on defense. Duran had 22 tackles, one sack, one fumble recovery and one pass deflection.

He started at guard on offense for the Raiders, who piled up 5,100 yards and 74 touchdowns.

Duran filled a major role as Central Catholic compiled an 11-2 overall record, advanced to the Sac-Joaquin Section Division-II championship game and finished first in the VOL (6-0).

Duran was an honorable-mention offensive lineman during his junior year.

The Raiders went 10-2, advanced to the semifinals of the playoffs and placed second in the league standings (6-1).

Duran’s crowning achievement in high school was being named Raider of the Year. He was recognized for his leadership and positive attitude.

Duran attended Mae Hensley Jr. High and Virginia Parks Elementary in Ceres.

He played youth football for the Ceres Seahawks, Jr. Bulldogs and Cardinals.