Alfredo Bernard is one of the best players from the Orlando, FL area in the Class of 2026.
The 4-foot-10, 109-pound Bernard, who attends Meadow Wood Elementary School, is a dynamic player that works as a linebacker.
Bernard has earned plenty of recognition during his outstanding youth career, such as winning freshman MVP and being nominated for the Heisman in flag football.
Bernard is humbled by the accolades.
“Winning the awards made me feel good and talented,” Bernard said. “It shows me that I can do anything I put my mind to. It felt great and it makes me want to keep working hard to get better.”
No matter the opponent, on each snap Bernard is determined to give it his all.
Bernard is going all out.
The motor is always at full throttle whenever Bernard steps between the lines.
“My mindset at my position is to attack the ball. I want to work hard to get the job done so each play will be a success,” Bernard said. “I want the opponent to not get anything easy when I’m on the field.”
Bernard has great passion and energy whenever he’s on the gridiron. Bernard tells why he enjoys the game of football so much.
“I love winning and being a team player,” Bernard said. “I love being in the locker room after we win and getting to enjoy it with all of my friends. It’s a special feeling.”
Bernard has learned many valuable lessons from playing football that he applies to his everyday life.
The main one is applying perspective to all situations.
“Football has taught me so much about life,” Bernard said. “It has taught me how to be tough and athletic. It has taught me how important it is to never quit no matter what.”
Bernard recalls his favorite football memory.
“My favorite memories are when I score touchdowns and the crowd goes wild. I love to make plays that get the fans out of their seats,” Bernard said. “Those are amazing moments I’ll never forget.”
Mario Bradford has coached Bernard for one year with the Osceola Panthers.
Bradford explains the best parts of Bernard’s game.
“Alfredo has good size that's him to bang in the trenches. His size is definitely an asset to our team.” Bradford said. “The opposition has to be aware of his at all times or else they’re going to have their hands full.”
Bernard takes his role as one of the leaders on the team very seriously. Bernard makes sure he’s a daily positive influence on his peers.
“I demonstrate being a good teammate by looking out for my teammates and pushing them to be their best every day.” Bernard said. “I tell my teammates to never give up no matter the score or how much time is on the clock.”
Bradford adds that Bernard is one of those consummate teammates that every squad needs to be successful.
“Alfredo was a younger kid this year but wanted to contribute at every chance. He didn’t make any excuses for himself and worked hard,” Bradford said. “His attitude is contagious and rubs off positively on his peers.”
Bernard is appreciative of having amazing male role models that are supportive.
“I have learned so much from my coaches about how to be a better player and person,” Bernard said. “I learned from my coaches to stay focused and be ready at all times. The best advice the coaches gave me was to keep my eyes on the ball at all time.”
Bradford is an advocate of Bernard’s capabilities.
“Alfredo was able to make a few tackles for losses this year but will be counted on dearly next year. He really stepped up when we needed him,” Bradford said. “We wouldn’t have the success we did without his contributions.”
In addition to making clutch plays, Bernard also has a high level of football IQ as well.
Bernard has excellent football awareness that puts him in position to thrive.
“Alfredo's versatility allowed him to play both inside and outside linebacker position,” Bradford said. “His football IQ is very good for his age.”
Bernard is on the grind to perfect and hone his craft in any way possible.
“Alfredo was a younger player this year but was one of the most well-conditioned. He always gives 100 percent,” Bradford said. “He wants to get better every day and it shows in his preparation.”
Bradford explains why he compares Bernard to this player.
“He reminds me of Dont'a Hightower because of his ability to make impactful plays on defense,” Bradford said. “If he keeps it up he has the potential to make the kind of impact of Dont'a Hightower.”
Bernard patterns his mentality after this standout.
“I like Saquon Barkley because of his energy and his hurdles,” Bernard said. “That’s who I try to play like on the field but at my position.”
Bernard is constantly striving for greatness in everything that he does.
“My goal on the field is to win and off the field is to think about my mistake and fix them the next game.” Bernard said. “I want to make my family proud of me in everything that I do.”
Bernard hopes to one day become an LSU Tiger.
“My dream college is LSU because I think it a great school and they have a great football team,” Bernard said.
Bernard lists math as his favorite subject in school.
“I love to study math because I love to solve problems and it always keeps me thinking,” Bernard said. “Math is a subject that is important in the real world and you will need often.”
Bradford outlines the areas of improvement that will take Bernard’s game to the next level.
“Alfredo can improve on his speed and plays in space,” Bradford said. “I’m confident this will happen. He’s still young and has the time to do so.”
Bradford believes the sky is the limit as long as Bernard continues to stay hungry.
“I think he has the potential to play in college and beyond because of how determined he is at his age,” Bradford said. “I look forward to witnessing his career unfold and I’m proud of the strides he’s made.”
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