Washington Transfer Germie Bernard Impresses at Alabama Spring Game

Bernard made some electrifying plays and was the leading receiver during A-Day.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The newest edition of Alabama's spring football game had an overwhelming sense of new to it.

There was new energy around and in Bryant-Denny Stadium, as A-Day saw its best-attended year since 2018 with over 72,000 fans. There was, obviously, a new face leading the Crimson Tide onto the field as 'Thunderstruck' played over the speaker, with Kalen DeBoer making his first appearance as the head coach on the Alabama sideline.

Then, there were new faces on the football field making plays, headlined by transfer wide receiver Germie Bernard.

Bernard, who followed DeBoer from Washington, was the leading receiver in the game, and his play caught the eyes of everyone from the get-go. He caught a deep pass over the middle on the first drive of the game, setting up a touchdown for the offense. He made another eye-popping play a few drives later, making an over-the-shoulder catch and breaking a tackle on the way to a game-high 52-yard play from scrimmage.

By the end of the game, Bernard amassed 122 yards off three catches, averaging a whopping 40.7 yards per reception. The next-closest Alabama receiver had just 46 yards, as only five total receivers caught passes in the game.

"I think he had a great day," DeBoer said of his wide receiver. "I mean, you saw it right away. The one that stuck out to me was the catch in contact, he high-pointed the ball. [...] That's what he does. He’s a physical guy, if the ball’s up in the air, it’s his. He’s got that mindset."

Bernard looked to be a favorite target of quarterback Jalen Milroe, the returning starter from a season ago who led Alabama to an SEC Championship and College Football Playoff appearance. Milroe's top two targets from last season are off the team, with Jermaine Burton off to the NFL Draft and Isaiah Bond having transferred to Texas following Nick Saban's retirement.

Milroe completed three passes in the game, two of which went to Bernard, accounting for 88 of Milroe's 100 total passing yards on the afternoon.

“All our connection comes from preparation," Milroe said. "Just extra reps after practice, getting together after a play, talking. He’s gonna be a key resource for us to be successful this year. I’m proud to have him on the eam and I’m super excited for him.”

Coming from Washington, Bernard has already played in DeBoer's offensive system for multiple years. He racked up over 400 yards and two touchdowns as a sophomore on last season's national runner-up team, and as a junior, is one of the oldest players in a young wide receiver room that has zero seniors.

“Germie’s a competitor. He comes each and every day ready to go at the facility," Milroe said. "He’s been a good leader in the room. He’s been special, special for us. Especially for him, he has knowledge of the system and he’s a veteran in college. He’s been doing a really good job being an effective leader, and continuously trying to get better."

Bernard hasn't had to transition into a new system, but he has had to transition onto a new team and into a new school. His head coach believes that transition has been as smooth as it could be.

"I think the guys, the quarterback in particular, really believe in him. He’s a leader, that’s just naturally what he does. He’s really tried to work into the receiving corps, become one of them. He had some opportunities today and took advantage of it.”