Cochran is now gone, Cole is on the sidelines as the Engineers’ quarterbacks coach, and after the breakout performance by junior running back Jay Bernardo against Endicott last Saturday, King and new offensive coordinator Pat DelMonaco are looking to run first and pass second.

“Players bring about change,” DelMonaco said of his new, more balanced offensive scheme. “We want to get the ball in the hands of our playmakers, and Jay is our top playmaker.”

Bernardo, of East Greenbush, N.Y., does not, at first glance, appear to be the type of player who could alter a team’s entire offensive system. The co-captain stands only 5’ 7’’ and weighs merely 180 pounds, but as Endicott found out, size doesn’t matter.

The LaSalle Institute graduate, who played football, lacrosse, and wrestled in high school, actually uses his small stature to his advantage, slipping under prospective tacklers and ducking behind offensive linemen.

“The defense will lose me and then I just explode out,” Bernardo, who carried the ball 32 times, rushed for 249 yards, scored four touchdowns, and tied an NCAA record with a 99-yard touchdown run on Saturday, admitted. “I used to view [my size] as a weakness, but now I’ll hide back there sometimes and get lost in the shuffle.”

Of course, Bernardo’s dimensions can carry consequences.

As Bernardo assumes full-time duties as Rensselaer’s starting running back, there is some concern he might not hold up through the season. Even after his spectacular performance this past weekend, King admitted he cannot expect Bernardo to survive the whole season if he forced to carry such a burden on his own.

Bernardo disagrees.

“I trained for this,” Bernardo said after the Endicott game. “I was determined to be prepared for my role this season.”

But if Bernardo has his way he won’t take too many hits despite carry the ball 32 times a game.

“My best asset is my quickness,” Bernardo said. “I like to get out in the open field and use my speed. That’s where I have the ability to make plays.”

Any doubters of Bernardo’s speed can just ask the Endicott defense as he out ran the entire team on his NCAA and school record 99-yard touchdown run.

King and DelMonaco were both impressed with Bernardo’s work ethic during the off season. He never missed a workout and was extremely focused on improving his body, quickness, and blocking in preparation for his new role, a role he has been relishing for.

“It was frustrating,” Bernardo said of his freshman and sophomore years. “I wanted to contribute more, but I also had to accept my role on the team.”

This year, and especially after his explosive opening performance, Bernardo feels liberated and more comfortable in the RPI scheme.

“I don’t feel any pressure,” Bernardo said. “This is the most relax I’ve ever been despite the fact I’m taking on a larger role.”

Bernardo, who describes himself as a reserved individual, used some of that frustration and his enthusiasm for the upcoming season to motivate him during the off season. His hard work translated into the coaches naming him the only junior and offensive captain. RPI does not have a single senior on its starting offensive unit.

“We have a veteran group,” Bernardo said. “Everyone is hungry to get back to the level we were at two years ago.”

The disappointment of going 5-4 in 2004 after reaching the NCAA Semifinals in 2003 also inspired Bernardo.

“I’ve seen what it takes,” Bernardo said of getting back to the NCAA playoffs. “Watching and working with [Cole and Cochran] was a real motivator and a lot of fun.”

King describes Bernardo as a leader by example and hopes that his work ethic and demeanor will ignite a fire under his teammates. Bernardo also hopes his enthusiasm will translate to his teammates. With starters returning at all the skill positions and a new improved defensive unit Bernardo is very optimistic about the season.

“We have talent at across the field,” Bernardo said. “Now we have to get back to where we used to be.”