Grad Transfer CB Bernard-Converse offers veteran leadership
LSU was needing a veteran cornerback after significant losses to the room, and Jarrick Bernard-Converse answered the call. After four impressive years at Oklahoma State, Bernard-Converse is returning to his home state to shut down SEC receivers. An Academic All Big 12 multiple-time honoree and LSU Vet School hopeful, Bernard-Converse is determined to offer his experience and intelligence to the team. Bernard-Converse took some time out of his summer preparation to sit down with Jordy Culotta for a chat.
Bernard-Converse played for Byron Dawson at Evangel, and he explains why he chose to finish his football eligibility in Baton Rouge. “It was just the opportunity that had arose after this past year. All the guys had left in the cornerback position, so I think that's what led me to being here right now. I just want to maximize this opportunity and make the best of it honestly.”
When it comes to the opportunity of a new coaching staff, Bernard-Converse appreciates the leadership and details. New defensive assistant Robert Steeples offers the NFL cornerback experience that Bernard-Converse admires. He elaborated, “I just look up to him because he has a lot of knowledge towards the defensive back position, but also he's a great guy off the field. He has a lot of characteristics and principles that I can relate to and I see within myself.”
His confidence extends to DC Matt House, another NFL mind, who brings a “very detailed” approach along with challenging each member of the defense to “know what other guys on the field are doing so that all players know what to do and where to be.”
As the defense takes shape, Bernard-Converse is encouraged by the talent in the defensive back room. “I think there's a lot of experience and talent for sure. There are guys from all over that bring different and unique things to the room, so i think we'll be good. Everybody's just gonna chime in on what they have and use what they can bring to the table.” The collaboration and competition between the safeties and corners should strengthen that part of the LSU defense.
Another competition Bernard-Converse is going to benefit from is the solid wide receiver and quarterback play LSU offers. The wide receivers already have his attention, and he praises their ability to block well and “attack the ball.” And when it comes to the quarterback room, Bernard-Converse sees great talent no matter who has the ball. “They can do it all. Jayden, Garrett, Miles, they can do just about everything, so it's going to be a good competition.”
Bernard-Converse is ready for the switch to the SEC, but he credits the Big 12 passing game with helping the cornerback “develop as a DB as a whole, like coverage, tackling, learning the game, and all of that.” When it comes to the fierce competition in the SEC, Bernard-Converse says that his experience is the most important thing he brings. Of course, he also sees the step up in consistent intensity of the SEC, “I think it's the best of the best. I mean everybody looks at the SEC as second to the NFL, so I think it's going to be a challenge.”
Since Bernard-Converse was recently cleared to participate in full activities after a foot injury, he is “looking forward to continuing in the recovery process and getting back on the field.” LSU Nutrition has been a huge part of his recovery, and he is focused on improving his craft and getting in the best shape to play in the fall.
Jarrick Bernard-Converse takes his position as a veteran leader seriously: “With the new staff coming in, there's a need for leadership, so they're looking to the guys with experience like myself to come in and help them change the culture and establish the principles that they want. I feel like I’m here for a reason, and I’m looking forward to it.”
Joy Holden
