Dimond in the Rough: Donald Berniard JR

The game of football is sometimes a mystery. You can never know why things are a certain way or why some players are over looked at times. Why are some kids signed to big schools and better kids are forgotten about. Today I interviewed probably the best recruit for the 2019 class.

Donald “Biscuit” Berniard Jr is only 15 and is already a man amongst boys. A friend of mine forwarded his film to me and after watching it, I thought that it was a joke. Why would my friend want me to help a kid that was obviously getting national attention. But when Ben told me that Biscuit had only one offer from Jackson State, and FCS school, I was appalled.  So my next question was, what did he do? Was this kid a trouble maker or something? Ben told me no, that Donald was a great kid and a model citizen. He did, however, tell me that the film I had just watched was film of him when he was only 14 and a Sophomore. That’s right the following film is of Donald’s Sophomore season where he had 87 tackles, 2 blocked field goals, 3 sacks, 10 QB hurries, and 2 forced fumbles.

 

I spoke to Marlon Favorite, former Super Bowl Champion (Saints) and Nat

ional Champions (LSU) defensive lineman, about Donald and he said that he has been working with him for three years. “His biggest asset is his strength,” said Marlon “He is very disruptive in the middle of the line. His hands are way past advanced, because he performs on an All-State level.”   Marlon stated that  Donald reminds him of his former team mate, Charles Alexander.

Donald is 6’1” and weighs 280 pounds. He just set the new school record formally held by LSU lineman, Garrett Brumfeild, in the bench press with 410 LBS. Donald also squats 500 lbs. With all that strength, one would assume that he could be fast, well he runs a 4.89 forty yard dash.

Donald was 1^st team All-District in 2016 for U-High in Baton Rouge. He is also listed as the Top Rising Defensive Lineman in Louisiana for 2019.

Donald has attended camps at LSU, Southern, University of Houston, Nicholls State, Louisiana College, Mississippi Gulf Coast, Southeastern, and University of Louisiana. He will be attending Tulane, West Florida, and Samford’s camps still this summer.

“Biscuit will be a household name after this fall,” said Marlon. “He is such a joy to watch on the field.”

Donald currently has a 3.45 GPA. He said that he someday wishes to be a Judge. I asked if there was any college that he wanted to play at and he stated that he really didn’t care. He wishes that he could attend LSU or Tulane but since they have yet to call he will play anywhere.

Donald said that his goals for this year is to make more sacks then last year, make All-S

tate team, win a State Championship, and become a better leader.

When asked what was his biggest accomplishment, he stated, “my biggest accomplishment is that I got to start on the varsity team last year. I felt that I was under rated, but when I was asked to start, I did not want to let my coaches and team down.” “I feel that I am a leader on and off the team. I am a reliable guy. When my team mates need help in class, they always come to me for help.”

“I am looking forward to playing Catholic, Mandeville, and Southern Lab this year,” said Donald. Each of those programs have great offensive lines, and he wants to see for himself how good he really is.

Donald’s dad accompanied him to my office today. His dad Donald “Coach Que” Berniard SR, has coached for 20-25 years here in the Baton Rouge area. Everything from youth ball to high school. Some of his most notable plaers are Darius Guice (LSU running back), Dylan Moses (Alabama linebacker), and Lavar Edwards (LSU/Carolina Panthers defensive end). Coach Que said, “If you don’t double team him (Donald JR), you cannot stop him.” ‘My son, when at home, watches a lot of film.”

I asked who is his favorite player and he was the first guy to ever answer me with three different names. He said, “I like Grady Jarrett from the Falcons (2.5 sacks in the Super Bowl) because he has very violent hands. I like Daylon Mack from Texas A&M because of his explosiveness. I also Like Vince Wilfork because he plays with a high motor for such a big guy. I also want to model myself like Vince.”