SALT LAKE CITY — It’s been a bit of a circuitous path for Francis Bernard, but as the NFL draft approaches this weekend, the former Utes linebacker is ready for the next step.
Bernard is expected to be final-day selection in the draft, projected for one of the later rounds, perhaps the fifth or sixth, or he could end up as a priority free agent.
Following an all-state career at Herriman High School and a church mission, Bernard went to BYU and made an immediate impact as a fullback. The following year he was switched to linebacker, where he made 80 tackles and came up with three interceptions.
Then after some off-the-field troubles, he transferred to Utah. He didn’t start as a junior behind Chase Hansen and Cody Barton, but became a key cog in Utah’s 2019 defense. He was second on the team in tackles with 85 and made two interceptions, including one for a touchdown against his former Cougars team.
“His smarts and his football knowledge are what allowed him to make a ton of plays for us this year,” Utah defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley told the Deseret News. “He’s a guy that’s going to get in a room in front of a GM or a position coach and he is going to impress them with his football knowledge.”
Bernard was one of many Utes who participated in the NFL combine and he feels he got some great feedback from his interviews. He feels that all he needs is the chance to show those at the next level what he can do.
“Honestly I just need the opportunity to go in and play,” Bernard said. “I know whatever team takes me they’re going to be lucky to have me. Because I’m going to stick and really help the team grow and I’m going to drive whatever team I’m at.”