Francis Bernard
Linebacker / Utah
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Francis Bernard: I measured in at 6’0 1/2, weighed in at 234 pounds and ran a 4.81 forty. I had a 10’0 broad, 32.5 inch vertical and 19 reps officially on the bench.
Alex Khvatov: Where are you currently training for the NFL Draft?
Francis Bernard: At EXOS in Carlsbad, CA. The setup is really nice. The hotel is near the facility. It is an easy access to get there.
Alex Khvatov: When is your Pro Day?
Francis Bernard: March 26th.
Alex Khvatov: What is your main goal for the Pro Day?
Francis Bernard: First and foremost, I got hurt at the Combine before I ran the forty. I hurt my hamstring when I was there. No one knew about it, but I decided to run because I was there. I know my speed is better than a 4.8. I am hoping to run a 4.65. Teams know that I can run. I want to show that sideline-to-sideline speed and show how athletic and smooth I am during drills.
Alex Khvatov: What is your overall impression of the Scouting Combine?
Francis Bernard: The overall event is overwhelming once you touch down there. Actually, the interviews start in the air because we had some GM’s and scouts on our plane. It was exciting and overwhelming at the same time. It was a cool experience. Something I have always dreamed of. There is so much stuff thrown at you, and you soak it all in. Teams provide you with some advice. You have to show what you are made of.
Alex Khvatov: Were you happy with your testing results in Indy?
Francis Bernard: I wasn’t. I hit 21 reps on the bench press, but they took away two reps. I got injured on the bench press and got injured after the broad jump. I had average and below average times. It is not what I am capable of. At the pro day, I will get a second shot to show what I am all about. Scouts and GM’s know what I am all about.
Alex Khvatov: What type of feedback did you receive from NFL teams after meeting with them for interviews?
Francis Bernard: It was good feedback. Teams are looking at me. They want to see how well I run and move in drills at the pro day. Many will be there at my pro day. Teams believe that I am the smartest LB in this draft. If you watch film, I am two steps ahead of the play. My instincts are off the charts. I beat the OL and offense to the play. I am also a guy that you don’t need to take off in sub packages. I can cover. I am an all-around LB.
Alex Khvatov: How would you describe your Senior Bowl experience?
Francis Bernard: The Senior Bowl was great. It helped me prepare for the combine. It helped me with the interview process. The difference is you have medicals at the combine. During the first day of practice, I was running with the third team and then the next day, they put in with the first team. I started in the game. I jumped ahead of those other guys. I take pride in being a smart football player. I am the most versatile LB in this draft class.
Alex Khvatov: What was the biggest thing that you took away from the all-star game in Mobile, AL?
Francis Bernard: It was my first pro experience. Being around NFL teams. It is a lot like camp where you are competing for a job.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Francis Bernard: I had offers from BYU and Utah State. I had interest from a bunch of PAC-12 teams, but none of them offered me.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you choose BYU?
Francis Bernard: BYU was better than Utah State at the time. My grandparents went there. It was closer to home. I started my journey there.
Alex Khvatov: What happened at BYU that led to your departure?
Francis Bernard: Off the field issues led me to Utah. I left BYU because I got in trouble. University decided to make an example of me. They suspended me for the whole junior year. I withdrew from college myself and went to JUCO. I took online courses and spend three semesters there. I didn’t play football for a year and a half. I was arrested for driving under the influence when I was at a junior college. It was in October, I got pulled over. I was arrested, and all of these schools stopped talking to me. I realized that I am not doing what I was supposed to do. It was a big moment for me.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you transfer to Utah?
Francis Bernard: Kyle Whittingham stuck with me when I was down in the dumps. They still took a chance and believed in me.
Alex Khvatov: Tell us about your overall career at Utah.
Francis Bernard: It was amazing. I didn’t get to see the field as much my junior year because I was behind two great linebackers in Chase Hansen and Cody Barton. I learned a lot from them. Cody taught me a lot. Midway through the year, I got the starting job in sub packages. During my senior year, I was the guy. I was a complete player this last year.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Francis Bernard: There is not a more versatile LB in the entire draft. I can play the run, drop into zone coverage and play man coverage. No one sees the field like me. I have leadership capabilities. I am the best LB in this draft class. I have played special teams my whole career. NFL teams want to get their hands on me, and I am ready for the pro day.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Francis Bernard: In the beginning of the season, I was overanalyzing too much. Being inconsistent in using my hands at the point of contact.
Alex Khvatov: What was it like to win 11 games your senior year and go to the PAC-12 Championship game?
Francis Bernard: It was a magical season. We talked about going undefeated. We were very close as a senior group. I am thankful to the players and the coaches for being a part of it. We won 11 games. It was a lot of hard work. A lot of sweat and tears. I couldn’t have asked for a better senior year and a better coaching staff.
Alex Khvatov: What happened in the PAC-12 Championship game against Oregon this past year?
Alex Khvatov: What was it like to be a part of such a tough defensive-minded group at Utah the last two years?
Francis Bernard: It was fun. You find out how tough your team is during conditioning. We compete every single day. It is the type of program that we are. It is great to be a part of that culture, and we all bought into it.
Alex Khvatov: How would you describe your former teammate DE Bradlee Anae?
Francis Bernard: Bradlee is phenomenal. He should be a big-time player at the next level. He will find success. I wish the best of luck to him.
Alex Khvatov: What was the highlight of your career up to this point?
Francis Bernard: The highlight was clinching the Pac-12 South title two years in a row. Also going to BYU, and I had a pick six against them.
Alex Khvatov: What was the biggest thing that you took away from your coaching staff?
Francis Bernard: They always preach family to us. They always talk about being tough and smart. I take that to heart.
Alex Khvatov: What separates you from all of the other linebackers in this draft?
Francis Bernard: I am the most versatile LB in this draft. I can line up anywhere. I can line up off the ball, play the run well and cover. I watch a lot of film. I am planning to come in and make an impact whether on defense or on special teams.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
Francis Bernard: I am a Raiders fan.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Francis Bernard: Luke Kuechly, but he just retired. Bobby Wagner and Eric Kendricks are nasty playmakers who go sideline to sideline.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?
Francis Bernard: Two guys are Devin Lloyd and Mika Tafua. DL Hauati Pututa should be like a top five DT coming out next year.
Alex Khvatov: Who was the toughest player that you have faced on an opposing team?
Francis Bernard: Last year, it was Justin Herbert. He was a talented player. You can see his preparation for our game. We hit the crap out of him, but he got up. He studied our film well. He was impressive during our game and the Rose Bowl.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Francis Bernard: I love the preparation. You work in the offseason to get better. There is also nothing like winning. Winning is everything.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for a LB?
Francis Bernard: First and foremost, you have to be tough. You also have to be smart and savvy.
Alex Khvatov: How has fatherhood changed your outlook on life?
Francis Bernard: For me, I am just more unselfish. I am all about my wife and my son. They helped me grow up. It helps me be more kind and be more aware of my surroundings. It changed me for the better. I want to be a good husband and father.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Francis Bernard: I am a big anime fan. I like watching Naruto. I like the outdoors and chilling at a park. During winter time, I like to snowboard in Utah.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Francis Bernard: I want to privately coach. I want to coach LB’s and DE’s.
Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?
Francis Bernard: Humble, hardworking, diligent, resilient and true.
