Utah Running Back Micah Bernard Puts His Name In The NCAA Transfer Portal
Jan 4, 2023, 4:15 PM
Utah Utes running back Micah Bernard (2) gains yards on a run during a college football game against the SDSU Aztecs played on September 18, 2021 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by John Cordes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
(Photo by John Cordes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY- Utah running back Micah Bernard has put his name in the NCAA Transfer Portal for the 2023 college football season. Bernard has been part of the Utah football team for four seasons starting with his redshirt year in 2019 and has already received his degree. The talented running back has been a big part of the Utes’ game plan the past two seasons that included back-to-back Pac-12 Championships and Rose Bowl appearances.
I have been told @Utah_Football running back Micah Bernard has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal. Bernard has been a big part of the Utes' game plan the past two seasons on offense. #GoUtes pic.twitter.com/EwFlKgsOiY
— Michelle Bodkin (@BodkinKSLsports) January 4, 2023
There was some debate as to whether Bernard would opt to go to the NFL, but a source says he was convinced he needed one more year to show what he can do, however, it will not be with the Utes this coming season.
Micah Bernard’s Utah Production
The Long Beach, California native really broke out on the scene in 2021 as a running back who could do a little bit of everything.
In 2021 Bernard was part of a three-headed running back attack that also featured TJ Pledger and Tavion Thomas. Bernard ended that season with 87 carries for 523 yards, two touchdowns. He also had 26 receptions for 251 yards and two more touchdowns.
In 2022 Bernard increased his production despite spending parts of the season hurt, but with Thomas not being quite the back everyone expected, Bernard’s opportunities increased. Bernard ended the 2022 season with 106 carries for 533 yards and four touchdowns while also providing the Utes with 34 receptions for 314 yards and one touchdown.
Utah’s Running Back Room
There has been rumors about the guys returning for the 2023 and hopes that would include Bernard who could be the one-two punch with rising running back star Ja’Quinden Jackson.
With Bernard out of the picture, it will be up to guys like Jackson, Jaylon Glover, Ricky Parks and newcomers John Randle Jr. and Michael Mitchell to pick up the slack.
Michelle Bodkin is the Utah Utes Insider for KSLsports.com and host of both the Crimson Corner Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and The Saturday Show (Saturday from 10 a.m.–12 p.m.) on The KSL Sports Zone. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram: @BodkinKSLsports
