Francis Bernard was welcomed at Utah this weekend, transferring to the Utes after leaving BYU’s program due to honor code violations and an arrest for misdemeanor impaired driving. Bernard’s production at linebacker is something the Utes have severely lacked since Gionni Paul and Jared Norris last dawned Utah uniforms.
Still, Bernard will have to earn a spot in what is a deeper linebacker position than Utah has rolled out in years Past. Morgan Scalley told me on Monday that he feels there are six players competing for snaps at linebacker. Chase Hansen will be a starter, and I would assume against Weber State, Cody Barton, a senior linebacker, and the most experienced LB on Utah’s roster will start for the Utes as well. Behind those two, Donovan Thompson has seen quite a few reps in practices, as has incoming JUCO transfer Bryant Pirtle. Kyle Whittingham pointed out the improved play of redshirt freshman Devin Lloyd at PAC-12 Media Day, so expect to see him getting reps in Utah’s opener this year.
I wrote at KSL about the uniqueness of Francis Bernard’s situation at Utah, and how he can become a lasting name in the history of the Holy War. Click the link below!
Francis Bernard has chance to etch name in ‘Holy War’ rivalry history
(Photo Courtesy of Josh Furlong)
