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Tennessee Makes the Cut for South Florida RB

by Michael Wolczik on August 10, 2009

in Tennessee Vols Football Recruiting

Giovanni BernardSaint Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale is no stranger to placing national recruits in some of the best colleges in the nation. This year is not going to be any different. St. Thomas is nationally considered the #1 ranked high school team in the land. One of the major reasons is four star running back Giovanni Bernard. Though he is listed at only 5’9, Bernard packs a wild brute of force at 195lbs and a blazing 4.5 forty. Bernard spoke with VolNation to shed some light on his current recruitment and future plans.

“Everything is going really good,” said Bernard. “I cut down one school last night (laughter). I cut Oklahoma. I spoke to their coaches last night and he told me that he has his two running backs and they are done recruiting the position. It’s just business, so I’m not taking it to the heart. The remaining schools I have are Florida, Miami, FSU, Notre Dame, Tennessee, Alabama, and Oregon State.”

Bernard went in more detail about his recruitment with Tennessee.

“It going good,” said Bernard. I actually haven’t had a chance to talk to them that much, but I’m definitely thinking about them. I’m definitely doing my research on them and the other schools. I talk to Coach Eddie Gran. I don’t speak with him like real often, but every two or three weeks. I haven’t been up to Tennessee before, so it’s all new.”

The daunting travel schedule for a high school program such as STA, does not really allow for many free weekends to take officials. Bernard discussed his future plans for the summer and football season regarding his recruitment.

“I’m not the type of guy that is going to be calling the coaches every day,” said Bernard. “I’m definitely committed to some of the schools and I really like them a lot. I just have to see which ones are right for me and try to set up my officials. Notre Dame will definitely be receiving one on October 27th against USC. I’m still trying to leave some in for some of our bye weekends. We have two bye weekends and one of those weekends, I am just going to take it off and relax. I’m pretty sure most of the out of state school will get them because I haven’t had a chance to see them. If I don’t take any officials to any of the Florida schools it doesn’t mean I don’t like them or anything.”

Bernard is not the only STA player being recruited by the Volunteers. Players such as Lamarcus Joyner, Cody Riggs, Brandon Linder and others all attend the powerhouse. Bernard explained if the groups of players ever discuss playing together in the future?

“No, we don’t talk about things like that,” said Bernard. “Everybody just wants to get a chance to play. Everybody is not going to attend the same school. We know that. We just have to make the best decision for ourselves.”

Bernard will have no difficulties qualifying to his school of choice. He boasts an outstanding 3.7 GPA. We finished our conversation discussing his expected commitment time.

“Probably after the season,” said Bernard. “I want to see everything and I don’t think I can during my season.”

Evaluation: Bernard will not blow you away with speed or power on film but he’s a very consistent, productive back with the ability to pick up yards in a number of ways. Looks a bit shorter than his listed measurables but really has good body composition. Built low to the ground, compact and has a wide base to assist his great balance. Sees the field well and the holes open quickly. Flashes very good lateral quicks and foot-speed, bouncing outside and stretching the run east-west. Equally quick and sudden in-line. Not a pick and dart, decisive zone cutback type of runner but consistently makes the first defender miss through the hole. Can slide through the small creases and is slippery to get a clean shot on with his great balance and low center of gravity. Shows good burst when he squares up and plants and goes downhill but prefers to bounce the play laterally at times. Actually will flash a good stiff-arm and overall shows good upper-body strength, breaking initial tackles. He is not a real powerful runner and struggles bouncing out of tackles, which surprises you with his low base and overall thickness. Displays good quickness through the hole but is not real explosive and struggles changing gears to separate when he gets a north-south seam or turns the corner outside. Overall, speed and elusiveness in the second level are good but he is not a game-breaker with the football and we question his in-line power to carry the load at the next level. That said, it’s hard to question his productivity on film, and Bernard is the type of back who will fit well in a number of different offenses. A natural, well-rounded runner with grit and a knack for making yards on his own.

2008: Carried 144 times for 1,371 yards (9.5 average) and 16 touchdowns.

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