Containing the Matt Canada offense just got a lot tougher for the BYU defense.

BYU announced Thursday that LB Francis Bernard is redshirting the 2017 season for personal reasons. A former running back – No. 45 all-purpose back for class of 2013 according to 247Sports Composite – Bernard switched to linebacker in fall 2016. He started all 12 games last season, tallying 80 total tackles, 5.5 for loss and two sacks. Bernard was third on the team in tackles and second in interceptions (3).

Bernard’s best performance last season actually came against an SEC West offense, when he recorded a career-high 16 tackles against Mississippi State. He had at least five tackles in eight games.