Former Oregon State star Yvenson Bernard's path to the NFL has landed him on the Seahawks' practice squad where, ironically, he has spent this week impersonating another former Beavers running back, Steven Jackson of the St. Louis Rams.
"I'm kind of running Steven J. right now,"
Bernard said. "It's kind of hard. But it's a good experience."
It's also a tough one. Bernard, listed at 5-foot-9, 202 pounds, wore a yellow vest with Jackson's No. 39 on it and ran plays that Seattle's defense could expect to see Sunday when Jackson, 6-2, 235 pounds, and the Rams visit Qwest Field.
Bernard, who rushed for 3,862 yards and scored 41 total touchdowns at OSU, would rather be in Jackson's shoes -- as an NFL starter -- instead of mimicking him. But given his rough road to this point, Bernard said he's happy to have an opportunity.
Bernard went undrafted in April, largely because teams were scared off by the 4.8-second 40-yard dash he ran at last February's NFL Scouting Combine. Bernard was coming off knee surgery in November 2007 and was not 100 percent. He signed as a free agent with St. Louis and was named to its practice squad following training camp, but he was soon released.
When the Seahawks made roster moves last week to clear space for additions, they waived rookie running back Justin Forsett, who then signed with Indianapolis. Seattle wanted a running back on its practice squad and turned to Bernard.
Bernard said his right knee is fully healed. But he's not sure he is any faster than he's ever been. Straight speed, he said, is not his thing.
"I just know that I have football speed,"
he said. "When I'm out there, it ain't about the 40-yard dash, it's about football speed."
Bernard was a bit upset with himself following Wednesday's practice.
"I kind of messed up on some plays today so I'm kind of down about that,"
he said. "I'm learning a whole new system."
Someday he would like to be the player that other teams prepare for, but for now he is embracing his situation.
"Ever since I've gotten here,"
he said, "I've been working hard and having a good time."
;
