FB Recruiting: I've heard this name before, but where...?

by The VD Special on Apr 3, 2009 2:00 PM PDT Comment 11 comments

Giovanni Bernard, yes Yvenson's little brother, is a 4-star running back from St Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale. For those that don't know, STAHS is regarded annually as one of the best high school programs in the country. Listed at 5'9", 198 pounds, he is very similar to Yvenson, not only in size, but in playing style. He doesn't burn many people with his speed, but he's very shifty and quick, which as we all know is key to excelling at running back here. His junior year he rushed for nearly 2,000 yards and 18 TDs, averaging 9.7 yards per carry. Awesome. His current offers list looks like a who's who of the college football stage:

Notre Dame
Nebraska
West Virginia
Auburn
Florida
Florida State
Miami
Ole Miss
Oklahoma
Oregon State
And others...

If you can, check out this video about him....

http://rivals.yahoo.com/video/recruiting-football/amp-bernard-has-all-of-the-skills-48653

If you can't, basically he says that his top priority is coaching relationships. Well Yvenson can probably attest to the family atmosphere here at Oregon State. He's a top running back, and my early guess is he ends up at one of the Florida schools, so we shall see. There's also talks that he's looking to stay in the south so that his dad can attend games (his dad was only able to make it one game for Yvenson, Senior Day). But if Yvenson makes the Seahawks, there's potential for a move-- this hasn't been said officially, just my thought. Anyways, just thought you guys should know we're in the running for one of the top running backs in the country, and he's someone we'll want to keep our eye on. GO BEAVS!

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or the Building the Dam staff. FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable Oregon State fans.

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Boo!

It’s spelled "S-h-u-f-e-l-t"

by JShufelt on Apr 3, 2009 2:31 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

He'd be perfect for our system, but probably wouldn't work in a spread

Because he isn’t super fast. Rivals lists his 40 time at 4.65, not very fast by any counts. If he recognizes this, it may work to our advantage. Florida hardly uses its running backs at all. My guess is Miami is going to get his services, especially with Bryce Brown going to Tennessee.

I support Takimoto in his effort to support Roger Kieschnick in his quest to becoming the best Kieschnick ever to play professional baseball.

by The VD Special on Apr 3, 2009 2:42 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

That’s what I think. I could see Miami being his spot, simply the chance to wear the uniform that, out of HS, his brother wanted to wear, could push him over the edge.

by ArbyOSU on Apr 3, 2009 2:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

With the way my day is going I would have figured you were going to tell me that in retaliation for Markus Wheaton the ducks went out and got a “solid verbal” from Giovanni Bernard. Puke!

I really hope we can get this kid. He looks like a great RB and the fact he’s Yv’s brother just adds to the whole package. And if he’s as into relating to coaches as he says he is the competition doesn’t look too hot.

Notre Dame—Weiss and crew’s days are probably numbered.
Nebraska—Sleazy.
Florida State—Oh come on now. Bowden may not be as old or appear as obsolete as Joe Pa but he has done a tremendous job of coaching like Joe Pa looks: old, tired, run down and liable to sh*t his pants at any time. FSU is quickly becoming college football ruins.
Miami—Could turn around what has been a ho-hum program with lots of problems… and probably (along with UF) the top choice of GB. I know Yv loved them. He mentioned being a Canes fan in interviews I believe.
Oklahoma—If this offer stands and he likes stoops this’d be tough to beat.

Come to Oregon State, Giovanni. Ultimately you’d hope that a guy would want to come to a place where he could be an important recruit and really contribute. I’m not going to bank on him because he’s looking at recent CFB champs offers on the table but if he did and he’s as advertised I think he could be an interesting compliment to a roster with a lot of speed on it. We need another strong, elusive YB-type (other than Quizz). I thought Francis was going to be our guy but real life got in the way for him which was sad on many levels. Hope he’s doing well.

by ArbyOSU on Apr 3, 2009 2:48 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

An unnamed source at another blog said that he talked to Yvenson, and that “off the record” Yvenson was doing everything in his power to get Giovanni to Corvallis

I support Takimoto in his effort to support Roger Kieschnick in his quest to becoming the best Kieschnick ever to play professional baseball.

by The VD Special on Apr 3, 2009 2:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hope that’s the case. Seeing another Bernard on the field would be great. Only thing better would be if Simonton or Jackson had little brothers sign with us in subsequent classes….

by ArbyOSU on Apr 3, 2009 3:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

And on Yvenson's facebook he has a picture of Gio that says

“Future of OSU Football” so he’s definitely pushing it

I support Takimoto in his effort to support Roger Kieschnick in his quest to becoming the best Kieschnick ever to play professional baseball.

by The VD Special on Apr 3, 2009 3:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Really?

That’s awesome if true. He better sell little brother on it. On the flip side of things, if Giovanni isn’t into OSU he shouldn’t force it. I wouldn’t blame a Florida kid for staying home one bit if that works better. That being said, I hope he likes Corvallis and OSU because both would receive him very, very well even before he set foot on the field.

by ArbyOSU on Apr 3, 2009 3:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly, Yvenson was a fan favorite during his time in Corvallis. Some would consider him a God in town.

I support Takimoto in his effort to support Roger Kieschnick in his quest to becoming the best Kieschnick ever to play professional baseball.

by The VD Special on Apr 3, 2009 3:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can you imagine?

Quizz as an upperclassman, mentoring Yve’s brother, a guy of similar size to himself, and what kind of a 1-2 punch those guys would make? Man, that would be awesome!

by sangdorange on Apr 3, 2009 2:56 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs