He carries the same personality as his position coach coming over from Washington.
JaMarcus Shephard was featured on a podcast before spring practice happened in March for Alabama football. He gave constructive criticism to the Crimson Tide’s wide receiver room, stating that there were ‘no dawgs’ at the position — outside of two players.
Alabama QB Ty Simpson invited to participate at Manning Passing Academy
Ryan Williams and Germie Bernard were the two most productive guys in the room. Williams amazed as a freshman through the first few games, but in his first season as a 17-year-old he had 48 catches for 865 yards and eight touchdowns. Bernard totaled a team-high 50 receptions for 794 yards and two touchdowns. Bernard, a Las Vegas native, is a relentless competitor who captured a Pac-12 Championship and played in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game in the 2023 season at Washington. He wants to win at all levels, so it is obvious how frustrated he was to finish 9-4 last year in his first season at Alabama.
Bernard watched his offense struggle against Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Michigan to score points. In a candid interview with The Modest Sports Show on campus, Bernard did not mince words on what he thought about last season. He is hungry for more and wants a national title.
*Bernard categorizes Alabama’s 2024 season at the 27:47 mark
“Ass,” Bernard said about how he would categorize last season. “We got a disgusting taste in our mouth. … Don’t nobody ever want to feel that way again. We are just working and the team camaraderie is better.”
Bernard’s focus in his second year in Tuscaloosa (Ala.) is becoming a more vocal leader.
“I want to lead the right way and be consistent in being a leader,” he said. “Being a leader is a different role, but I am ready to embrace that role. I have been embracing it.”
He is leading people on the field, but he’s also leading in his faith-based journey.
“I’m trying to bring others along on their journey of faith,” Bernard said. “Doing what God put me here to do … I have a purpose here. I am just trying to understand my purpose and bring guys along.”
Bernard understands the mentality of Alabama fans. They crave championship and having a team that plays with an intense focus. He will bring that to the receiver room in the fall as Bernard looks to erase the taste of 2024 from his mouth.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and writer for The Bama Standard. You can follow him on X via @CoachingMSmith.
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