The Under Armour All-America Game officially welcomed the nation’s No. 1 long snapper on Wednesday, as Turner Bernard accepted his jersey during the American Family Insurance jersey presentation.
Bernard never needs to look far to find the person most responsible for his position as the country’s top-ranked snapper. His father, Ben Bernard, has been coaching long snappers for around 20 years, with tremendous success.
Bernard said his father’s long-snapping skill was born out of necessity.
“He was coaching and they needed a long snapper,” Bernard said. “His story is that he went home one day and painted a target into the fence and started firing snaps back into it. Eventually they started coming out clean. He followed that form and gave it to one of his players.”
That first player was John Asbury, who went on to earn a scholarship to San Diego State. Since then, Bernard has sent dozens of players into the college ranks. The next will be his son, who holds a scholarship offer from Utah but said he is in no rush to move through the recruiting process.
“I’m staying patient throughout the season,” Bernard said. “In reality, long snapper is the last thing on the list, so I’m not trying to rush anything.”
Six questions with Turner Bernard
If you could start a team with any other player in your class who would it be?
“N’Keal Harry.”
What was your earliest football memory?
“That would probably be seventh grade football, just playing with a bunch of my buddies.”
Which football player did you idolize or want to be like when you were a kid?
“I always idolized Clay Matthews. He’s always been a steady guy and I enjoy the way he plays. He’s an all-around solid dude.”
If you could take on any pro player in their sport who would it be?
“I wouldn’t take him on, but I’d take Tiger Woods to a game of golf.”
Why do you wear your number?
“I’ve always worn 66. That’s the number my dad wore and I’ve always idolized him.”
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
“I’m only 17. I should be older for my grade.”