That kind of swagger might sound like offseason bluster to some. But at Alabama, where expectations are always sky-high and talent is never in short supply, bold predictions often turn into reality. And with a deep, dynamic group of wideouts ready to assert themselves under new head coach Kalen DeBoer, Bernard’s belief in the Crimson Tide’s receivers may be more prophecy than wishful thinking.
The former Michigan State and Washington receiver arrived in Tuscaloosa via the transfer portal, following DeBoer and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb from Seattle to the SEC. With him, Bernard brings a blend of experience, explosiveness, and system familiarity that could make him a cornerstone in Alabama’s offensive transformation. More importantly, he brings leadership to a group with sky-high potential and something to prove.
For Bernard, who caught 34 passes for 419 yards and two touchdowns in Washington’s pass-heavy offense last year, the opportunity to join Alabama was too enticing to pass up. After helping the Huskies to a national championship appearance in 2023, he now finds himself part of a unit looking to reestablish the Crimson Tide’s reputation as “WRU.”
“This group, man—we’ve got everything,” Bernard said after a recent spring practice. “Speed, size, hands, route running, intelligence. You look around and everyone can play. There’s not a weak link. We’re competing with each other every day, and that’s what’s going to take us to the top.”
Bernard isn’t alone in his optimism. Around the program, there’s a growing sense that Alabama’s receiving corps could return to the elite level that defined the Tide’s offense during the Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, and early Bryce Young eras. That means chasing the legacy left behind by names like DeVonta Smith, Jerry Jeudy, Jaylen Waddle, and Henry Ruggs III.
This current group doesn’t yet carry the same NFL pedigree, but it might not be far off. Between returning playmakers, high-upside young stars, and key transfers like Bernard, Alabama has a mix of talent and depth that few schools can match.
Kobe Prentice and Isaiah Bond are two of the most prominent returners. Bond, in particular, made headlines last season with his game-winning touchdown reception against Auburn in the Iron Bowl, showcasing his clutch ability and vertical threat potential. Prentice is a reliable route-runner with strong hands and consistent production, giving Alabama a steady presence in the slot.
Also returning is Jalen Hale, a rising sophomore who flashed big-play potential in limited snaps. At 6-foot-1 with a physical frame and strong leaping ability, Hale could emerge as a red zone weapon and vertical threat if he continues to refine his game.
Then there’s Malik Benson, a junior college standout who transferred into Alabama last season and is expected to play a much bigger role in 2024. Known for his blazing speed and sharp route-running, Benson has drawn comparisons to former Tide greats and is reportedly one of the top performers during spring workouts.
Add in Bernard’s savvy and versatility, and it’s easy to see why confidence is building in the receivers room.
“I’ve played with some great guys, and this room is right up there,” Bernard said. “It’s not just about one or two guys—it’s the whole group. On any given play, anyone can take it to the house. That’s dangerous.”
For Alabama’s new-look offense under DeBoer and Grubb, that kind of balance is essential. Unlike the past few seasons, when the Tide leaned heavily on one or two standout receivers, this year’s scheme is expected to spread the ball around and utilize motion, spacing, and tempo to create mismatches.
At Washington, Grubb’s offense led the nation in passing yards behind quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and a trio of NFL-bound receivers. The playbook emphasized precision, timing, and chemistry between the quarterback and his wideouts. Now, that system is being installed in Tuscaloosa with Bernard acting as a bridge between the old and the new.
“It helps having someone who knows the system,” DeBoer said of Bernard. “He’s a leader, he knows the terminology, and he knows what we’re trying to do. That’s been huge for the rest of the room.”
Bernard’s leadership has extended beyond the field. He’s taken younger receivers under his wing, helping them adjust to the new scheme and challenging them to elevate their game. With every rep in practice, every session in the film room, he’s helping set the tone.
“I want to be someone they can lean on,” Bernard said. “We’re building something special here, and it starts with trust. Trust in the coaches, in the system, in each other. Once we have that, the rest takes care of itself.”
Of course, it all hinges on the quarterback play—an area still under competition this spring. Jalen Milroe, the dynamic dual-threat quarterback who led Alabama to the College Football Playoff last season, returns as the presumptive starter. But he’s being pushed by Ty Simpson, Dylan Lonergan, and true freshman Julian Sayin, who has already turned heads with his arm talent.
No matter who wins the job, Bernard believes they’ll be in good hands thanks to the weapons around them.
“Our job is to make the quarterback’s life easier,” Bernard said. “Run clean routes, get open, make plays after the catch. We’ve got a group that can do that. Once we get our timing down, it’s going to be scary.”
That optimism is shared by position coach JaMarcus Shephard, another member of DeBoer’s staff who followed him from Washington. Known for his fiery personality and technical teaching, Shephard has already made an impression in the receivers room.
“He brings energy every single day,” Bernard said. “He pushes us, holds us accountable, and he believes in us. That’s everything.”
It’s still early in the process, and Alabama fans know better than anyone that spring hype doesn’t always translate to fall dominance. But there’s a quiet confidence in Tuscaloosa that the offense—especially the receivers—will be more explosive, more creative, and more productive in 2024.
Part of that belief stems from the hunger of the players themselves. After two seasons of offensive inconsistency and a noticeable dip in wide receiver dominance, the current group is eager to rewrite the narrative. They want to be feared again. They want to restore the standard.
For Bernard, it’s personal. He’s been a part of winning cultures. He’s seen what it takes. And he sees that same drive in his new teammates.
“This group is hungry,” he said. “We want to prove ourselves. People might not be talking about us like they used to, but that’s going to change. We’re going to make sure of it.”
As Alabama prepares for its A-Day spring game and the final stretch of offseason workouts, the receivers will remain a focal point. Fans will want to see how the chemistry looks, how the routes are executed, how the ball is distributed.
But if you ask Bernard, the foundation is already there.
“I’ve been in some great offenses,” he said. “And I’m telling you—this group has the chance to be special. We’re not just talking about it. We’re working every day to make it happen. And when the season comes, the whole country’s going to see it.”