Micah Bernard is ready to take on a feature role in Utah’s backfield this season.
The senior running back has the most experience and reps in the Utes’ backfield entering the 2024 season, but that doesn’t mean he’ll be without a bevy of challengers.
Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham indicated that, while Bernard is leading the charge for the Utes’ starting halfback gig currently, redshirt freshman running back Mike Mitchell and junior running back Jaylon Glover are challengers for the job.
Freshman Hunter Andrews, who was converted from linebacker to running back, is also in the mix. Andrews was a three-star recruit in the 2024 recruiting class and played running back at Magnolia High School in Texas.
The spot is seemingly Bernard’s to lose, but he’s focusing on his day to day performance to officially earn the role before Utah’s opening game against Southern Utah on Aug. 29 in Salt Lake City. The senior running back played in two games in 2023 after suffering a season-ending injury caused by an off-the-field accident.
“I almost fell out of love with football and lost it for such a long time,” Bernard said after practice last week. “Now, I just want to grind even harder to come back. It’s nice to be out here with the boys, working hard, going towards an achievement.”
Bernard’s driving purpose this season is a result of the time he missed a year ago. He never imagined football would be taken away from him, but that reality struck him when he sat injured on the sidelines before suiting back up for the Las Vegas Bowl.
In spurts, he has shown his talent as a dual-threat playmaker. Against Ohio State in the 2021 Rose Bowl, Bernard made a diving, toe-drag catch for a 12-yard touchdown reception, one of the high points of the Utes’ loss to the Buckeyes. In the 2022 Pac-12 Championship vs. USC, Bernard juked and bounced off several ensuing Trojan defenders before scoring a 22-yard rushing touchdown.
Utah running back Micah Bernard celebrates after running for a touchdown against Colorado in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
In moments, Bernard’s intangibles have been evident. The next step, as Utah looks to win the Big 12 and earn a bid into the 12-team College Football Playoff, is putting it all together. It’s likely the senior running back won’t serve as Utah’s bell cow in 2024, but he indicated that he’d be happy with 15-20 touches per game.
Utah running backs coach Quinton Ganther is confident that Bernard can be an impact player in 2024, but he needs to see the senior producing on a high level every practice.
“He’s the veteran in the group right now,” Ganther said. “Will he probably start off as running back No.1? Yes, but he has to stay humble. It’s going to be a very, very competitive room right now. There are guys chomping to get playing time, and if he’s being passed up because he’s not producing or being as productive as some of the other guys, then he’s going to get passed up by some other guys.
“I’m excited to see him take a step forward. We’re excited to see who wants to be the guy and not just talk about going to bat.”
As Bernard looks to solidify his role as the starter before the season, he wants to improve as a leader, an area that he’s struggled with in the past. When talking to the media, Bernard is outgoing and vocal, which is a trait that is recognized by Ganther, but he wants to see that extend onto the field.
“He’s in a unique situation,” Ganther said. “He’s the kind of guy that is not very vocal. ... But he’s been doing a good job. I mean, he’s leading by example.”
In fall camp, Ganther says he’s looking for “four to five” running backs that he can trust throughout the course of the game. In his own words, he doesn’t want someone running the ball that will make him “hold his breath” when taking a handoff.
“That’s a coach’s biggest thing,” Ganther said. " This is a make-or-break year for a lot of these guys that are here. The more I can trust you, the more opportunities you have.
“That’s not just on the field but it extends to off the field. I don’t want to have to keep telling you things over and over and over because if I have to continue to tell you things over and over then you’re not gaining my trust.”
While Bernard is excited about the opportunity to start for the Utes, he wants what’s best for the team.
It doesn’t matter how much action he gets. Bernard just wants to win and enjoy this season after his love for football was taken away from him last season.
“It’s up to the coaches,” Bernard said. " I don’t really care (how many touches I get).
“I just want to win.”
