‘Full-On Animal’ Germie Bernard illustrates thunderous block against Mercer

On By Pranco

TUSCALOOSA, Ala.–Alabama’s offensive line was named a semifinalist for the Joe Moore Award a few days ago, but the honor, which is given to the nation’s best front five, had a sixth Crimson Tide player leading the charge for a big block against Mercer that sent shockwaves around Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Leading 7-0 and in the red zone, Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe made contact with wide receiver Ryan Williams underneath, who trotted his way untouched to the end zone. That said, while his footwork and craftiness are a sight to behold, there was a decent chance he would have been taken down before he even crossed the line of scrimmage.

Fellow Crimson Tide wide receiver Germie Bernard assured his teammate would sprint ahead of him as he blocked a Mercer defense back into the ground within seconds of the game starting. But then, as that same defender desperately tried to get up and move toward Williams, Bernard not only stopped him, but dropped his shoulder on safety Myles Redding, who went flying after also tripping over his fallen teammate .

“It’s an offside game where we stretch the ball a bit wide,” Bernard described after the match. “I had to block the corner, he dived in so he was really out of the game. Then there was another guy on the other side so I knew I had already blocked the first guy and I was like ‘shoot, I might as well’ Well, have another one, so I went and blocked him too.”

While the block is talked about more than the touchdown itself, Bernard firmly believes that protecting his teammates from opposing defenders is an expectation for the entire receiver room.

“That’s what we do, man,” Bernard said. “We block for our guys and then we celebrate with them. The receiver position is very unselfish and I love to see my guys get in the end zone and score. If I can play a role in that, I’m going to do my job doing.”

Due to Williams’ blazing speed on the play, the 17-year-old freshman was somewhat aware of Bernard’s assist, but he fully noticed the magnitude of the moment as the replay was shown across the stadium.

“We talked about it as soon as I got to the sideline,” Williams said after the game. “I was like, ‘YOU A DOG! YOU A DOG! I APPRECIATE YOU!’ and he just smiled and cheesed. He’s a genuine dog, a complete animal, you couldn’t ask for a better teammate.”

Williams explained that Bernard’s toughness and blocking ability is something he wants to continue to improve as his Crimson Tide career is just beginning.

“He’s a jack of all trades,” Williams said. “He could do it all. He and (wide receiver Kendrick Law) bring the physicality to the room, I’m working on this too, but they’re pouring it into me so I can get more physical in my game… Perimeter Blocking is something where We strongly prefer it in the reception area, because if you don’t block for your teammates, you don’t get the ball. That’s something we are proud of.”

The blocking and passing attempts have brought the receiving room closer with each passing game and win. Williams called it “a brotherhood.”

“The young guys, we call each other ‘sharks,’” Williams said. “We also have some basketball players. The tight ends, I think they call themselves ‘The Sharks’ too, but it’s all love. As far as the receiving room goes, we really just play as one band and one sound.”

The host room looks to continue its “explosive” growth next week as No. 10 Alabama takes on Oklahoma on Saturday, September 23 at 6:30 PM CT on ABC.

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