1 – Instinctive player
The Baylor product is known as a fast flow linebacker (4.59 40-time), primarily due to his natural football instincts, especially against the run. His former head coach, now Carolina Panthers head coach, Matt Rhule in describing Bernard said the following.
"He's just a great football mind."
Those instincts resulted in a lot of production. Bernard led the team in two of the last seasons with two 100-tackle campaigns.
2 – Heck of a blitzer
Bernard wasn't just productive in the run front. He was deployed as a blitzer and was very effective in doing so. He finished number three in school history with 16.5 career sacks.
3 – Highly decorated
In addition to all of that production, Bernard was a leader on the Bears squad. After earning Second Team All-Big 12 honors in his sophomore and junior seasons, he was named First Team All-Big 12 as a senior. He was also a team captain and was the MVP of Baylor's Sugar Bowl victory.
"When I think of the heart, soul, and character of our team, I think of him," said his current Baylor head coach Dave Aranda.
4 – Racked up the stats during his college career
Bernard played in 45 games during his collegiate career at Baylor. He totaled 320 tackles, 22.5 TFL, 12 sacks, three interceptions, 11 pass breakups, and three fumble recoveries.
5 – College graduate
Bernard graduated from Baylor with a degree in health, kinesiology, and leisure studies. He's currently pursuing a master's degree in sports management.
