Francis Bernard waits for a tackle in last year's game against SUU. The team announced Bernard will redshirt this season on Thursday. (Ari Davis)
BYU football announced linebacker Francis Bernard will redshirt this season for personal reasons.
The 6-foot-1, 240-pound outside linebacker will still participate in all team practices, meetings and activities as a redshirt.
Last season, Bernard had 80 total tackles and three interceptions as part of a linebacker core that is expected to impress this year with Fred Warner and Butch Pau'u returning.
Bernard will return next year as a redshirt junior after seeing time as a running back in 2015 and a linebacker in 2016.