Bob Jones punter Mike Bernier (13) and Brandon Davis are seen during the Bob Jones-Tuscaloosa County playoff game Nov. 7, 2014 in Madison, Ala. (Eric Schultz/preps@al.com)

Working alone at Bob Jones' turf practice field, Mike Bernier booms punt after punt on a sunny, late-May afternoon.



This is not where he expected to be a year after graduating high school and going to Eastern Illinois on scholarship. But after starting his freshman year for the Panthers, Bernier returned 400 miles south to Madison for something he loved more than football: His mom.



Not long before Mike signed, Sonja Bernier was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer that had metastasized to the bone. She insisted that Mike go to Eastern Illinois and take advantage of his scholarship.



Mike went on to average 37.7 yards per punt in 12 games for the FCS Panthers, and he garnered an Ohio Valley Conference Special Teams Player of the Week honor. But despite the success, Mike couldn't focus his full attention on football.



"When I was up there, I tried not to think about it, but it was always on my mind," he said of his mom's condition. "No matter what I was doing, I was always thinking about my mom. The later it got in the season, the more I thought about it and I came to the decision that I should come home."

So Mike gave up the coveted scholarship and moved during winter break. He never thought twice about his decision.



"You've only got one mom," he said. "And with talking to people at my church, and family and friends, I didn't see it going any other way. I felt like being at home with my mom was my No. 1 choice and that's what I had to do."

"It meant everything," Sonja said of Mike's return. "I wanted him here, but I didn't want him to give up his scholarship. It just all worked out, I guess, the way it was supposed to.

"He's a very humble, caring, would-do-anything-for-anybody kid."

My mom is hands down the strongest person I have met. — Mike Bernier (@_Itsbernier_) February 12, 2016

Happy Mothers Days to the strongest lady On this earth! I love you so so so much mommy! You Are Amazing!!!!!❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/v80uC7JWUM — Mike Bernier (@_Itsbernier_) May 8, 2016



UNEXPECTED OPPORTUNITY

Mike initially announced in late January that he would play at Jacksonville State, but a self-described "shot-in-the dark" email changed everything.



Mike sent a message to Alabama special teams coach Bobby Williams to express his interest in the Crimson Tide and to see if there was a spot available. Williams responded within a week asking Mike to come on a visit. Not long after, Alabama offered Mike a preferred walk-on spot and he committed April 17.



"There's really no words to put into perspective how excited I am," Mike said. "It's definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I can't wait to take the next step."

"I'm very excited," Sonja said. "He loves Alabama. That's his dream school."

I am officially committed to play football at The University of Alabama🐘🔴⚪️ Roll Tide‼️ pic.twitter.com/RQvUVDFMFD — Mike Bernier (@_Itsbernier_) April 17, 2016



Mike reports to Tuscaloosa in August. Until then, he's staying busy with classes at Calhoun Community College, a part-time job, working out and training.



"It's been a really hectic last month," he said.



And keeping him motivated through the craziness is Sonja.



"She's been so encouraging to me," Mike said. "She's my biggest fan. That's all I could ask for from her."

Bernier's freshman highlights at Eastern Illinois