Bernard was a three-year starter at Mountain Ridge High School in Glendale, Arizona.[1] While at Mountain Ridge, he was a two-time all-state long snapper. During this time, he received a five-star rating from Kohl's Kicking and was named the nation's top incoming long snapper.[2] Bernard was also selected as one of two long snappers to play in the 2016 high school Under Armour All-America Game.[3] Bernard turned down offers from Utah and Northwestern before choosing to attend San Diego State.[1]
College career
Bernard received an athletic scholarship to attend San Diego State where he redshirted the 2016 season due to an ACL injury.
Bernard started all 13 games for the 2017, 2018, and 2019 seasons; as well as all four games in the shortened 2020 COVID-19 season. During his time at San Diego State, he was known as a fast and accurate snapper.[1]