2022 PFN Player Profile: Jason Bernard – Garnet Valley

Tagged under: District 1, News, Player Previews

Billy Splain | June 11, 2022

Jason Bernard
Garnet Valley
Class Of 2023
Running Back
Jersey #36
HT/WT 5 ‘7″-190
All-Delco Honorable Mention, All-Central League Honorable Mention, All Academic Team Gold
Twitter @Jaybernard36

Why do you play football?

There are a variety of reasons why I play the game of football. One main reason is my true passion I have for the game. When I first set foot on field in 3rd grade I instantly knew this was something I was going to love for the rest of my life. Another reason is how big of an outlet it is. It is a time where I get to do something I love with no outside distractions. When you are on the field the only thing that matters to you is the game. My final reason is because of the lessons you learn and the bonds you build. There are so many lessons you learn about hard work and perseverance. The bonds you build with your teammates are relationships that will last a lifetime.

Who is your favorite sports star and why?

My favorite sports star is Jerome Bettis. If you know football, then you know how good he was. He is a legendary power back and I aspire to have some aspects of his game. Jerome and I share similar qualities on the field which is why we share the nickname, “The Bus”. But not only is he a great running back but a great man off the field as well. He was a mentor for many people including former star receiver Hines Ward. He is one of the most humble NFL stars that I have seen and seems like he is compassionate on and off the field. That is why he is my favorite sports star.

Do you have a favorite play you remember the most? Explain:

My favorite play happened during my last season. It was our first offensive drive of the game and we had to set the tone. The second play of the drive was called split east. It was a direct handoff to me through the A gap. I took the hand off and barreled though the A gap as fast and as hard as I could. At first I could not find any room and everyone thought I was tackled including my teammates. Then out of no where I bursted through the linebackers, past the secondary, and to the end zone. My teammates were pumped up and it help set the tone for the rest of the game.

What are your goals for this coming season?

I have many goals for this season. The first few goals I have are physical. I want to surpass all of my physical aspects from last season. I want my bench, squat, deadlift, and clean to be at least 20 pounds heavier than the start of last season. I also want to get my 40 yard dash quicker too. Another goal is to build a very string bond with all of my teammates, including the underclassman. I feel like when everyone feels like they have their brothers next to each other, it creates a better environment to win. This leads into my final goal of helping contribute to a successful season where we reached our full potential.

What is your favorite Pro team, any sport?

Eagles of course!

What game, yours, college or pro, was your favorite game and why?

My favorite game of mine happened during last season. It was supposed to be one of our tougher matchups of the year. We started the game very sloppy. We had a few turnovers and I had a fumble. At first this annoyed me a lot but I used this as fuel to never let it happen again. I finished the first half with about 80 yards on the ground. Unfortunately we went into the locker room during halftime down big. We knew that we had what it takes to win this game but we just had to execute it. We also knew that the opposing team would not make it easy, having playmakers on both offense and defense. Thats what we talked about during the whole half time break. Exactly how we were going to execute this comeback. Then we went into the second half fully focused. We scored on almost every single offensive drive for the rest of the game. The defense did not let up a single point in the 4th quarter and we ended up with the win. I finished the game with over 180 Rushing Yards and two touchdowns.

What sports movie would you watch every day if you had to pick one and why?

The Longest Yard (2005). I like this movie because it is hilarious and has a good theme as well. No matter what scenario you are in, football can bring people together.

If your mom and dad are screaming at you from the stands, what is it they usually yell?

There are two things that I always hear my dad say from the stands. “Cmon Jay” and “Wake up”

Name one thing that you’d love to do in football that may never happen?

One thing I would love to do in football is successfully execute a trick play. It has always been something I wanted to do because when I would play in my back yard as a kid, me and my brother would always make up our own trick plays and try to do them.

Is there anyone in your family, besides your parents, you could consider your biggest fan? Who, Why?

My little brother Luke. His is someone that looks at every small detail of my game. He will always know all my stats and is always so happy for me if I have a good game.

When you aren’t playing, practicing or training for sports, what is your go to activity and why?

My go to activity is hanging out with my friends and family. For me, family is something that is so important to me. Just simply spending time with them is what I prefer to do. The bonds that I have with them are unbreakable and they are people that I can rely on at any time.

What is your favorite football memory to date?

My favorite football memory is last years football camp. During this camp we slept at the school for five days straight. We had to bring mattresses, clothes, and everything else we needed to live at the school. During each of these five days we had three practices a day and many team bonding activities. This camp brought us so much closer together and I believe it is one of the reasons why our team was so successful. But one memory from this camp that stuck out to me those most was when one of my coaches told us stories about when he played at Garnet Valley until one in the mourning. Even though we we not supposed to be up this late he continued to tell his hilarious yet meaningful stories that I will never forget.

What is your favorite play to run?

My favorite play to run is Pitch.

What restaurant is your go to when you need a big meal?

El Diablo in Wilmington, DE.

Which one? Sheetz or Wawa

Wawa!!

What is your favorite vacation destination?

The beach

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