Francis Bernard (American football)
Francis Bernard (born April 8, 1995) is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He played college football at Brigham Young University and the University of Utah. Early years. After playing his freshman year of high school football at Bingham High School, he transferred to Herriman High School. As a sophomore, he had 139 carries for 754 yards and 8 touchdowns. As a junior, he was a two-way player at running back and linebacker, totaling 178 carries for 1,547 yards, 22 touchdowns and 29 tackles and one interception. He received Region Offensive  MVP honors, Region 7 and Class 4A All-state honors at running back. As a senior, he tallied 96 carries for 822 yards, 15 touchdowns, 24 tackles and 4 interceptions. He received Region 7 and Class 4A honorable-mention All-tate honors at running back. He committed to Brigham Young University on December 11, 2012. He also practiced basketball and rugby. Bernard served in a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Atlanta for 2 years. College career. As a true freshman at BYU in 2015, he was a backup running back and appeared in  10 games. He registered 52 carries for 334 yards (second on the team), a 6.4-yard average, 7 rushing touchdowns (second on the team), 17 receptions for 56 yards and 2 receiving touchdowns. As a sophomore in 2016, he was converted into a linebacker. He started 12 games at outside linebacker, posting 79 tackles (third on the team), 5.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 3 interceptions (one returned for a touchdown) and 3 pass breakups. He had 16 tackles against Mississippi State University. He was not allowed to play in the 2016 Poinsettia Bowl due to a violation of team  rules. It was later revealed that he was also facing suspension for violating BYU's honor code. Bernard eventually elected to enroll at Rio Salado College, before transferring in August 2018 to the University of Utah. As a junior, he was a part of a linebacking corp that included future NFL players Chase Hansen and Cody Barton. He started 2 out of 12 games in place of an injured Hansen. He collected 38 tackles (5 for loss), one interception and two pass breakups. He had 10 tackles against the University of Colorado. As a senior in 2019, he started 14  games at middle linebacker and was a part of a defense that had 6 players selected in the 2020 NFL Draft. He recorded 85 tackles (second on the team), 7.5 tackles for loss (tied for fifth on the team) and 2 interceptions. He was named first-team All-Pac-12 and participated in the 2020 Senior Bowl. He had 12 tackles against Northern Illinois University. Professional career. Bernard was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Dallas Cowboys after the 2020 NFL Draft on April 27. He was waived on September 5, 2020, and signed to the practice squad the  next day. He was elevated to the active roster on October 3 for the team's week 4 game against the Cleveland Browns, and reverted to the practice squad after the game. He was promoted to the active roster on October 10. He was a backup linebacker, appearing in 13 games and making 6 tackles. On September 2, 2021, Bernard was placed on injured reserve to start the season. He was activated on November 6. Personal life. In October 2017, Bernard was cited in alcohol-and traffic-related offenses. Bernard is married with one son, and is an active member  of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, having served a mission in Atlanta.