Bernard can’t wait to suit up

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 31/07/2009 (5918 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Psssssttt!!! Come closer because we’re about to let you in on a little secret…

Don’t tell anybody, but inject Yvenson Bernard with a truth serum and he’ll likely admit he’d carry the equipment bags off the bus and do the post-game laundry just for the chance to suit up for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers this Saturday in Toronto. It’s been awhile, you see, since the former Oregon State star — second all-time in Beavers’ rushing — has played in a real game.

And so when head coach Mike Kelly tapped him on the shoulder this week — and opted to sit Lavarus Giles down — Bernard was absolutely thrilled for the chance to play tailback, special-teams ace and loyal foot soldier.

"It’s a great opportunity to prove I can play ball and try to help this team win. Anything I can do I’m more than willing to make it happen," said a still-beaming Bernard Thursday after the Bombers final full practice in preparation for the Argos tilt.

"Really, I just want to go out there and play ball. Even if I don’t get a carry in this game I’ll be happy just to get out there and fly around and have some fun.

"This is why you work out in the off-season: game day. It’s that one special day when you get to do your thing."

Bernard would know a bit about doing your thing on game day. A three-year starter for former Bombers coach Mike Riley at OSU, Bernard last played in a meaningful game — aside from the CFL pre-season games — in the 2007 Senior Bowl. Undrafted, he signed with the St. Louis Rams before joining the Seattle Seahawks. After his release there, he headed north after Riley’s recommendation.

"He was by far one of the best coaches I’ve ever played for and he told me the CFL game would be well-suited for me. Hopefully," added Bernard with a grin, "it is."

Bernard is getting a look because the Bombers like his versatility, his ability to block and his work ethic. Indirectly, the move may also light a fire under Giles, who has seen limited action since a spectacular pre-season.

"He’s worked hard. He deserves to get on the field and get some snaps," said Kelly.

"He is a pretty complete football player and with him being on special teams it gives Fred (Reid) a little more of an opportunity to recharge his battery and not have to be on the field quite as much. Now, I’m hoping we punt the ball about seven times less than what we have been and that will save some wear and tear. But also he’s been working hard and it’s time to take a look to see what he can do for us.

"He’s more of a battering ram. In confined space he has very quick feet and agility.

"Where Giles is more of a glider and a pure top-end speed guy who can get around the edge, Y.B. gives us more of an opportunity to bang it in between the tackles… that’s not taking anything away from his speed because when he does get outside he can go. Will he have a 70-yard run like Giles will? I’m not convinced of that, but he will give you consistent, hard yards."

And he’ll do it with his trademark smile dominating his face. Count on this: Bernard won’t moan and complain about not getting touches against the Argos. Instead, he’ll simply be ecstatic to get his jersey dirty.

"I’ll play my butt off on special teams and give it my all," he said. "And if I get to carry the ball I’ve got to make it happen. It’s what my dad said, ‘Take what they give you.’ That’s how I’ll play, whether it’s a blocking assignment… I don’t care, I’ll block my butt off. Whatever I get, I’ll take."

ed.tait@freepress.mb.ca