SAN DIEGO - San Diego State Turner Bernard has been named a semifinalist for the Patrick Mannelly Award, which goes out to the top collegiate long snapper in the nation.
A senior, Bernard has long snapped for the Aztecs in each of the past 46 games and 50 for his career. His 50 games are the most played of any current SDSU player, while his 46 straight starts at his position are tied with Tariq Thompson. He has three tackles for his career.
The Patrick Mannelly Long Snapper Award is determined by a committee comprised of former NFL long snappers, punters and kickers, special team coaches, as well as snapping instructors, NFL player agents and sportswriters. The Award is presented to the overall best long snapper at the Division I FBS level. The winner must be of senior standing, have started 75 percent of games in his senior year, snap on punts and placements, and demonstrate a strong mentality, notable athleticism, as well as speed, accuracy and consistency in their snaps.
This will be the second season of the award, which is named after Patrick Mannelly, widely known as the best long snapper in the modern NFL era. Mannelly was a four-year starter at long snapper and two-year starter at offensive line at Duke before being drafted by the Chicago Bears in the sixth round of the 1998 NFL Draft. Mannelly played 245 career games with the Bears, the most in franchise history, over 16 seasons and received the Ed Block Courage Award.
San Diego State wraps up its regular season Saturday night at No. 14/16 Brigham Young in Provo, Utah. Game time is set for 8 p.m. MT (7 p.m. PT).