Germie Bernard continues to believe in Alabama football quarterback Jalen Milroe .
The Alabama wide receiver knows the perception of Milroe's struggles in SEC play: his six interceptions compared to five touchdown passes, his declining completion percentage, his rising sack totals and his paltry yards-per-carry total as a runner.
But Bernard also knows that's not entirely on Milroe's shoulders.
"We always have (Milroe's) back," Bernard said. "(If) the ball is, you know, in our vicinity, we have to be better at making those plays when those opportunities come our way."
In his first season at Alabama, Bernard has developed into one of Milroe's favorite targets, connecting on 25 catches for 381 yards and two touchdowns in seven games.
Bernard also serves as Milroe's support system. Bernard said he continues to encourage the Alabama quarterback "so he doesn't try to get down on himself" in the midst of struggles.
"I just tell him, 'Hey, continue to keep your head up, man. Just continue to do what you do. Don't listen to any of the doubters,'" Bernard said. "Like he says, the naysayers. I always tell him, like, 'Bro, regardless, I'm always going to have your back. Regardless of what anybody else say.'"
Alabama takes on Missouri at 2:30 p.m. CT Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium on ABC.
Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at cgay@gannett.com or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: How Germie Bernard encourages Alabama football QB Jalen Milroe through struggles
