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Jones, Bernard Talk Washington Commitment, Spring Season

Big pass-catchers high on Huskies, shine in offseason 7v7 events

John Garcia, Jr.

The Washington Huskies have four football commitments in the recruiting class of 2022, three of which prep at Henderson (Nev.) Liberty High School. 

All three have great size relative to their position. Wide receiver Germie Bernard is 6-foot-3, 200 pounds, two-way edge prospect Anthony Jones stands 6-foot-5, 240 pounds and defensive tackler Sir Mells is listed at 6-foot-4, 310 pounds. 

Bernard and Jones have been showcasing their pass-catching ability over the last month, returning to the 7-on-7 circuit with Game Changers Sports Academy. The squad opened the 2021 slate at Battle's Miami event in late January and hit the Phoenix event over this past weekend. 

Jones is the first-off-the-bus type tight end or pass rusher and he holds his own as a passing target despite the immense size. 

"Just playing against top corners, top teams, I'm able to show my footwork and my speed," he told SI All-American. "I think that's what catches people off guard. Just my speed and how I can break, things like that. 

"I feel like whenever I tough the ball, I'll be able to catch it no matter what. Being able to break down the defense and finding the windows, to communicate with my quarterback, is a strength too."

The junior may ultimately line up on defense in the Pac-12, on the edge or as an off-ball linebacker, though it's to be determined by Jimmy Lake's staff in Seattle. The two-way talent could care less where he plays in college, but admits getting back on the field after a one-year, pandemic-induced layoff comes as a major relief. 

Two months earlier, he made the call to become the latest Husky pledge from Liberty High.

"They were the first big school to contact me and I've built a great relationship with them over the last couple of months.
 Jones said. "I talked to my family and coaches and it was just the best fit for me. Other schools call and text but my commitment is solid -- 100%. 

"Plus I have two of my teammates going with me to Washington. It's just like a family up there." 

Bernard was the first Washington commitment for the class of 2022, picking the program in July 2020. He says other programs, like Oregon, remain in contact but he's all dog.

"I shut it down," he said of his recruitment. "It was the right fit for me. Coaches show me love and it's been like that since day one, since they met me. 

"I been on my grind, keeping in touch with my guys. Coach (Jimmy) Lake, Coach (Junior) Adams, we talk like every day. It's been a good relationship between the coaches and me." 

As the above video illustrates, the seasoned wideout was eager to get back on the field in January. 

"It's been so long we been off, but we've been putting in the work for us to get here so once we got an opportunity, we had to convert on it," Bernard said. "My training is real hard so I knew it would convert on the field when we got back to playing, so I just have to come out and show it when I get the opportunity." 

Back-shoulder throws, 50/50 balls and extension in traffic skills look relatively easy for one of Nevada's top prospects. He's looking to expand the repertoire before the spring football season kicks off but likes where his game is at early this year.

"My route-running, my hands and my knowledge of the game," Bernard said of strengths.  "Understanding the DBs, how and where they play." 

Washington signed a top 20 class to cap the 2021 cycle.  

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John Garcia, Jr.
JOHN GARCIA, JR.

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