Germie Bernard on Hey Coach

Crimson Tide fans were concerned when Jalen Hale went down with a serious lower-body injury during one practice in March during Alabama's spring ball. Hale was in contention to potentially be the starting wide receiver for Alabama, and his untimely injury hurts the Crimson Tide's passing attack.

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Don't expect to see Hale anytime soon, with ESPN reporting during Alabama's A-Day scrimmage that Hale would likely miss the entire regular season, but could potentially be back for postseason play depending on how far Alabama goes.

After Hale, Alabama has some talented receivers, but most of them are inexperienced in terms of in-game reps. Kendrick Law and Kobe Prentice are the most experienced but have yet to take the next step as the go-to target for Alabama.

Alabama may have found their go-to target. Germie Bernard hauled in just three catches during Alabama's spring scrimmage, but he went for 122 yards on those three catches. He was poised to be the top target at Washington before transferring to Alabama, and he looks to be prepared to take advantage of his starting opportunity.

For the first time since arriving in Tuscaloosa, Bernard was behind a microphone on Monday night during Hey Coach. He provided some insight into the Tide's offense and even provided a surprising update on Tide running back Justice Haynes.

How has Bernard enjoyed his time in Tuscaloosa so far since moving in January?

“It’s been great, man. Nothing but great people around. Obviously, great coaches. I’ve been with them for a year. It was great meeting all the new staff. The strength staff, all the players, they were really welcoming, so it’s been great.”

Why did Bernard follow the coaches from Seattle to Tuscaloosa?

“It’s just the standard that they hold everybody to. I’ve seen what they did in the past years over at Indiana, over at Fresno State, and then what they did at Washington. So I know they have a good formula, and the standard is to win.”

As previously mentioned, Bernard had three catches for 122 yards during A-Day. What did Bernard think of his big performance?

“It is definitely a blessing to be out there. God, he gave me the strength to be out there with the team and have a great A-Day game. I mean, the execution, it just comes from practice, just preparing. I think that we had a great spring. I think the receivers, they had a great spring. Offensively, we definitely produced a lot from the beginning of spring, and I felt like we showed that on A-Day.”

Roger Hoover, host of Hey Coach, asked Bernard what makes Alabama's offense so fun to play in. In his answer, Bernard provided a surprise injury update.

“Just how explosive it is. Even running the ball. I mean, everybody sees how we pass the ball, but running the ball, like you guys seen Jam and Justice before he got hurt in the game. Just how they utilize the players and give the playmakers the ball to make plays.”

The injury to Haynes explains why he did not get a lot of reps after he scored early in the game. The injury is not believed to be serious and should not hold him out of any offseason activities.

Hoover kept asking questions, asking Bernard what it is like playing for Coach Deboer.

“Man, it’s just the same thing every day. He continues to stay consistent, continues to tell us the same things every day, remind us of the standard. He knows how to prepare for games and he makes sure us as a team we’re prepared for games. So going into the game we have a lot of confidence.”

Bernard was then asked about Alabama wide receiver coach JaMarcus Shephard, and Bernard had high praise.

“First of all, he’s a man of God, and that is something that I am very big on. And he has definitely pushed me toward my faith. And then just the energy that he brings to the room, how he pushes the guys, how he wants the best out of us.”

Bernard and the Tide get some time off before Summer workouts begin, which will lead into Fall camp. The Tide will also receive some reinforcements in the wide receiver room, with Amari Jefferson, Rico Scott, and Ryan Williams arriving in Summer.