Washington transfer has grown into a respected leader at Alabama

Oct 12, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Germie Bernard (5) catches a pass for a touchdown against South Carolina at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama defeated South Carolina 27-25. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images

When the Kalen DeBoer era of Alabama football began in January of 2024, he did not come empty-handed.

Players transferred from Washington to Alabama and followed DeBoer to Tuscaloosa. One player who has had a big impact since transferring in is wide receiver Germie Bernard.

In 2024, Bernard finished the year with 50 catches for 794 yards and two touchdowns. This offseason, Bernard reunited with his offensive coordinator from Washington as Ryan Grubb joined the Alabama coaching staff in the same role.

After day 2 of fall camp, Grubb was asked about how he’s seen Bernard’s demeanor and approach to the game change since he was first coaching him at Washington.

“Probably confidence is one of the big things,” Grubb said. “Germ was a young player learning from some really good veteran receivers there with [Rome] Odunze, [Jalen] McMillan, [Ja’Lynn} Polk, you know. Germ’s the kind of guy that’s very respectful, is a good gathering of information, understands how to be a pro and has worked himself into a leadership role on this team.”

Grubb explained how Bernard has mentored some of the receivers in his leadership role.

“I think with Germ, the demeanor you have to have, especially during camp and things like that with a lot of running and getting yourself used to football shape fast and being able to tough through stuff, Germ really can help mentor the young guys,” Grubb said. “He can take on bigger, longer installs and not let it bog you down.”

Players look up to Germ and even have a nickname for him. According to center Parker Brailsford, who also transferred to Alabama from Washington in 2024, Bernard’s nickname is “Unc” as in uncle.

“We have a standard that’s set by guys that came before us like Julio Jones, Jerry Jeudy, Calvin Ridley,” Bernard said. “We can name all of them. It’s a standard that all of those guys set. So, me coming in and learning from all the coaches that have already been here and asking them questions like what those guys have been doing. Now I know what it’s going to take and just try to bring the younger guys along and everybody else in the room.”

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