Utah Utes operating again Micah Bernard runs in opposition to Ohio State in the course of the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022. Bernard performed on either side of the ball in opposition to the Buckeyes, at operating again and cornerback. Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret Information
Utah Utes operating again Micah Bernard catches a landing cross in the course of the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022. Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret Information
Working again Micah Bernard is likely one of the most athletic gamers on Utah’s roster and he’ll be closely counted on this season as a playmaker within the offense.
Bernard stepped in at cornerback within the Utes’ 48-45 loss to Ohio State within the Rose Bowl. Additionally in that sport, he made a outstanding, leaping, finger-tip landing catch within the again nook of the tip zone in opposition to the Buckeyes.
“It’s arduous to not discuss that catch within the Rose Bowl. That was unbelievable. He’s an unbelievable athlete,” stated quarterback Cam Rising. “I simply love giving him the ball and watching him go.”
Rising in contrast Bernard to a star San Francisco 49ers receiver.
“He’s our Deebo Samuel,” Rising stated. “He’ll go run a route, get the ball out of the backfield, it doesn’t matter. He’ll make a play.”
“He performed two positions within the Rose Bowl. He’s a troublesome child, an athletic child,” coach Kyle Whittingham stated of Bernard. “One factor he does exceptionally effectively is catching the ball out of the backfield. He’s an important route runner and he has distinctive palms.”
Final season, Bernard rushed 12 occasions for 146 yards and a 22-yard fourth-quarter landing in a loss at BYU, which marked his first profession TD for Utah.
Bernard completed the season with 523 speeding yards and two touchdowns on 87 carries and 251 receiving yards and a pair of TDs on 26 receptions.
Definitely, Bernard is a confirmed performer as each a runner and a rusher. He’s excited in regards to the depth within the operating backs room.
“Final yr you thought it was aggressive. This yr, it’s very aggressive. You’ve bought me, Chris (Curry) and Tavion (Thomas). And Jaylon Glover, my boy. And another guys which might be exhibiting out throughout fall camp. It’s arduous to separate.”
It’s useful to have the operating backs push one another to be higher.
“All people needs to try for greatness,” Bernard stated. “When you may have lots of guys within the room like we do, you may’t let up. Each single day is a grind.”
What does Bernard see as his position this season?
“All of us have our position. You’ve bought to step in and do what’s requested of you,” he stated. “Regardless of what number of reps you get, you could give it 110%. ... Final yr I used to be a scatback, choosing up blitzes, doing this and doing that. However I really feel like if I get the possibility to get the ball extra, you’ll see extra explosive performs.”
Utah Utes operating again Micah Bernard catches a landing cross in the course of the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022.
Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret Information