Interview: 2017 JUCO OL Junior Pierre is a One Man Wrecking Crew for Blinn

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Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Even in this day and age with technology allowing college recruiters to scan the internet for top talent across the country, there are still hidden gems at the junior college level waiting to be discovered. One of the more interesting offensive lineman who looks ready to be an immediate contributor at the next level is Junior Pierre.

College recruiters are given a pass on not immediately knowing who Pierre is… yet. The 6-5, 315 pound, defensive line mover has a unique story. Pierre got his first taste of the gridiron at Royal Palm Beach High School taking on 7A Florida competition. That taste was a quick one making the transition from the hardwood to the football field. The child of Haitian immigrants was talked into playing football his senior year grinding it out as part of the 2014 recruiting class. The one-year wonder gained interest from Florida Atlantic at that time but a changeover of staff at FAU led to a freshman year at New Mexico Military Institute.

Now Pierre is showing out at the JUCO level with Blinn (Texas) gaining new interest and offers. Some of the teams to offer Pierre includes Akron, Grambling State, Alcorn State, Alabama State, and Southeast Missouri State. Reported various levels of interest have come in from Oklahoma, Louisiana-Monroe, Florida A&M, Pitt, Oklahoma State, UTEP, Tennessee-Martin, Florida, and San Diego State.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Pierre to find out more about his play on the field while receiving a recruiting news update.

Interview

What adjustments have you made to your game from the high school to the JUCO level?

“Learning to play a lot lower. I only played one year in high school so I have had to learn the game more. I used to play travel basketball in high school. I only played football in high school during my senior.”

Did you have any interest out of high school?

“FAU was showing interest. Their coach was fired and I never heard from them again. NMMI offered, so I went there.”

Blinn looks to have a balanced offense with 253 passing yards and 211 rushing yards per game. What type of offense do the Bucs run?

“We run a spread, read-option offense.”

What has been the biggest challenge for you with the blocking schemes?

“None really. I try to be as good as I can be at everything we do. Being an older guy, I try to set an example at all times for all the players on the team.”

You have the size to play tackle or guard but play guard for Blinn. What are some of the strengths to your game as a guard?

“I’m a good run blocker. I have a good pass pro. Once I grab a guy it is over, that’s what my coaches like to say.”

Which defender has been the toughest guy for you to go against in the JUCO ranks?

“All of them are good players. I don’t know anyone specifically. They all give me a challenge. I step up for the challenge with the help of teammates, God, and my coaches preparing me every week.

“I will say two of my teammates have been the biggest and best challenge for me in practice. Javier Edwards (6-3, 350), he is a Florida commit. He always challenges me in practice. He has made me 10 times better than I was last year. Colton Knapp (6-3, 275), he is a 3-tech guy for us. He is quick with his hands. He is always challenging me mentally to think and be ready for him. Those two guys help me during our games because of their strength and quickness. Iron sharpens iron.”

Speaking of strength, did you max out this summer in the weight room.

“I did. We did a bench test. I got 225 (pounds) 28 times, 385. My squat max is 475, my power clean is 315, and my incline bench is 355.”

Which schools do you have offers from right now?

“Akron, Grambling State, Alcorn State, Alabama State, Southeast Missouri State, and Murray State. I have not talked to Akron in a while. Murray State, Southeast Missouri State, Prairie View, and Alcorn State are the schools talking to me right now. My recruitment is just starting to pick up. I have not spoke to that many people yet.”

Have you taken any unofficial or official visits yet?

“No, I have not taken any.”

Do you have any planned?

“Not yet.”

When do you graduate from Blinn?

“In December.”

What is your GPA at Blinn?

“2.7.”

You have your final JUCO game against Northeastern Oklahoma A&M on Oct. 27, what will that game be like for you?

“It is very important to finish off strong. I’m just a kid from West Palm Beach, raised by two immigrant parents. I am just trying to be someone in this country. It would be great to play football and get a college degree at the same time.”

What is the bond like for the guys at Blinn?

“For our offensive line, I’m happy to be a part of our line. We have the leading rusher in D’Anthony Hopkins. He has 970 yards rushing with 15 touchdowns. It is a pleasure to block for him and working hard every day with my brothers. I am happy to be a part of this line with my teammates.”

Junior, thanks for your time today and good luck with the final game of your season.

“Thank you.”

Click the link to see Junior Pierre’s Hudl reel.

 

Photo credit: twitter.com JUCO Frenzy; No. 78 Junior Pierre wraps up a defender

Photo credit: twitter.com; No. 78 Junior Pierre in the locker room pre-game.

Photo credit: Blinn College; No. 78 Junior Pierre blocks a linebacker.

Photo credit: Blinn College; No. 78 Junior Pierre in action.