Former Utah Linebacker Francis Bernard Is Earning Roster Spot With Cowboys
Aug 18, 2020, 1:37 PM
(Ravell Call, Deseret News)
DALLAS, Tex. – Former Utah linebacker Francis Bernard is working hard in training camp and is earning himself a roster spot with the Dallas Cowboys.
Bernard earned his second interception in consecutive days for the Cowboys during training camp.
The former Ute signed with Dallas as an undrafted free agent.
According to DallasCowboys.com writer David Helman, Bernard is making an early impression on the NFL franchise.
here’s Francis Bernard after his second pick of camp – this time in team drills. making an early impression.
(photo courtesy of @dallascowboys) pic.twitter.com/4ORFVn7JOu
— David Helman (@HelmanDC) August 18, 2020
Through camp, according to Helman, the defense has six interceptions with Bernard leading the way with two.
if I've got my numbers right, the Dallas defense has tallied 6 INTs & 1 FF across various periods of 4 practices.
Francis Bernard leads the way w/ 2. Anthony Brown has 1 INT & the 1 FF. Chido, X. Woods & Donovan Wilson all have 1 INT.
Trevon Diggs narrowly missed 1 on Friday.
— David Helman (@HelmanDC) August 18, 2020
Francis Bernard’s Collegiate Career
The Herriman, Utah native played two seasons for the Utes after transferring from BYU. In 2018, Bernard was the backup to Chase Hansen and Cody Barton. He played in 12 games and started two contests while picking up 38 tackles, 5 tackles for loss and an interception.
Former Ute @FrancisJBernard is earning himself a spot on the Cowboys roster. https://t.co/GeyghUpQGW
— Trevor Allen (@TrevorASports) August 18, 2020
Last season in 2019 as a senior, Bernard stepped in as a starter and thrived. He finished with 85 tackles which was the second-most on the team along with 7.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown in the season opener against BYU.
After a tremendous senior campaign, Bernard was named first team All-Pac-12.
Francis Bernard’s NFL Combine Results
He measured the following at the NFL Scouting Combine:
Height: 6’0
Weight: 234 lbs.
Arms: 31 7/8″
Hands: 9 7/8″
At the Combine, Bernard recorded the following results:
40-yard Dash: 4.81 seconds
Bench Press: 19 reps
Vertical Jump: 32.5 inches
Broad Jump: 120 inches
Trevor Allen is a Utah Utes Insider for KSLSports.com and host of the Crimson Corner podcast. Follow him on Twitter: @TrevorASports. You can download and listen to the podcast, here.