Interview: A World of Opportunities Await 2019 California RB Micah Bernard
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
As the expression goes, game tape does not lie and Micah Bernard preached the truth during a breakout sophomore season for Gahr High School (Cerritos, CA). Complete 2016 season stats have not been released to add numbers with athletic ability, but a filled in stat sheet still would not do Bernard justice.
Bernard’s 2016 exceeded expectations showing a growing talent with the natural instincts to take every snap full-speed going from zero to 60 in a blink of an eye. Unlike a lot of young rising stars lining up at tailback, Bernard is a north-south runner using great field vision to find the hole and then explodes through the front seven with breakaway speed capable of putting six up on the board from anywhere on the field.
The Gladiators staff used Bernard as an every down back letting the 6-0, 181 pound, speedster gain the tough yards early in the down and turned to him on passing downs dropping screens, flares, and the occasional wheel route his way to help move the chains. The result was an 8-3 season for Gahr High School pushing Downey and Paramount High School in the San Gabriel Valley division.
The off-season has helped Bernard stretch his given athletic abilities hitting the weight room hard and taking in extra snaps during the “second season” in 7v7 action with Real Speed. The early work put in against opposing California players has caught the eye of San Diego State landing his first offer with SMU, UNLV, Hawaii, and Colorado showing interest. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Bernard going over his sophomore season while getting an update on his recruiting process.
Interview
Micah, the coaches lined you up all over the place last season to get the ball into your hands, where all did you lineup last year?
“A little bit at receiver, running back, and at quarterback in the Wildcat formation. The coaches wanted to put the ball in my hands in different formations.”
Of all the positions that you’ve played, which one is your favorite?
“My favorite is running back. At running back, it is easier access for me to get the ball and make plays.”
As mentioned, you ran some out of the quarterback spot in the Wildcat. Do you like running out of that formation?
“Yeah. The Wildcat is one of the easiest ways to get me the ball. Another way to get me on the edge faster.”
Have you been working on your arm to start dropping bombs on unsuspecting defenses during your junior season?
“Yes, sir. I have. We are in spring ball right now. I’m playing a little quarterback which is helping me get my mechanics right.”
What was one part of your game you really had to step up playing at the varsity level to start exploiting defenses?
“My physical state. I was really fast, but I had to get more physical with the defense running guys over.”
How did the other areas of your game come along?
“One of the areas I got better at was seeing the field and allowing the play develop before I hit the hole.”
You mentioned working on your arm in spring ball, what else are you working on this off-season?
“I’m working on my footwork and my ability to get to the outside. I’m hitting the hole harder to become a better power back. I’m working on my play at slot receiver too.”
Where all might you play on the field during the 2017 season?
“On defense, I will get in some snaps in at cornerback. I played corner a little bit last year. I got a pick in my first game at corner. On special teams, I will be at kick returner and punt returner. I’ll be on all the special teams.”
Are you playing 7v7 ball?
“Yes.”
Which team are you playing for in 7v7?
“Real Speed. A team out of Orange County.”
How is 7v7 going?
“It is going great. They are playing me at corner. I’m reading the field better and my footwork and technique is getting better. 7v7 is really helping me get ready for the season.”
Have you maxed out in the weight room yet?
“Yes, sir. My bench is 235, my squat is 345, my power clean is 195, and my deadlift is 385.”
Have you been to any exposure camps this spring?
“Not yet, but I am planning on going to some.”
Which camps might you attend this summer?
“I’m looking at a USC camp. I have to look at my emails to check the other camps I have been invited to so far. I’m not sure which college camps I may attend this summer.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?
“Hawaii, Colorado, UNLV, and SMU are showing interest. I just recently talked to San Diego State and they offered me a scholarship there.”
Congratulations on the offer.
“Thank you.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?
“I have taken one unofficial visit to UNLV.”
How did your visit to UNLV go?
“It went great. I saw their weight room, locker room, and their training room.”
Do you have any unofficial visits scheduled coming up or for this summer?
“No. Not yet.”
Are you participating in any other sports for Gahr?
“Track and basketball. Basketball has helped me in games to react faster. Track helps me with a quicker start.”
Which events are you running in track?
“The 100 (11.3), 4×1, and long jump.”
Which is your best event?
“The 4×1.”
What is your cumulative GPA?
“2.83.”
What is your favorite subject in school?
“English.”
Is there a player at the college or NFL level you enjoy watching to learn more about the game?
“Yeah. I like to watch Marshawn Lynch (Seattle Seahawks and Oakland Raiders). I like his physicality. He can make moves and get people out of his way.”
What do you do for fun away from working out and football related activities?
“I don’t have any activities that I do outside of sports. I play some PlayStation 4 when I have the time.”
Micah, thanks for your time today and good luck with your upcoming camps.
“Thank you.”
Click link to see Micah Bernard’s 2016 Hudl reel.
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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Micha Bernard (May 2017).
Photo credit: twitter.com; No. 2 Micah Bernard finds a running lane (2016).