Interview: 2023 WR/TE Pierce Walsh Will be Trouble for 7A Illinois Defenses
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Moments in time can help predict the future, and if one can string together several data points a more accurate forecast can be made. Going back to the 2019 Illinois high school football season, Class of 2023 receiver/tight end Pierce Walsh gave us enough to know he is a top developing collegiate recruit.
During Benet Academy’s 6-4 run a year ago, a third of the way through the schedule Walsh began his breakthrough performance. At 6-4, 195-pounds, the freshman was able to not only use his size going against 7A Illinois defenses to make plays, but he also flashed unexpected breakaway speed. Optimizing his touches, Walsh hauled in eight passes for 148 yards with two touchdowns scored.
When the 2020 season gets going in the Prairie State, the Redwings’ coaching staff will utilize their rising star at receiver, tight end, and on defense at end. The growing talents is already garnering interest from programs like Northwestern.
Interview
Pierce, your freshman season was an unusual one in many ways. Your receiving skills and speed were way ahead of the peer group curve. Going into the 2019 season did you know you would be counted upon as much as you were to the team’s offensive success?
Actually, I knew going into my freshman year that I would have to work my way up the ranks. At my school, you have to beat out the upperclassmen for playing time. I knew that I had to work extra hard, 10 times harder just to get on the field. It took a couple of games, probably three games. By the fourth game, I had a good one then, I started after that. It clicked for me then. I had worked my ass off making sure I was doing the right things, being a leader and contributing to the team.
What scheme were you guys running?
We ran a Spread. We run a basic Spread with everything in the route tree. Sometimes we’d have a tight end in there, but I was only in for about five snaps at tight end the whole year.
You did a great job of exploiting the seam taking on Illinois 7A safeties. What were some of the other routes you executed last season?
One of my favorites is the comeback, I love running that. I had some catches off that, and I am a big go-route guy. Throw the ball up, I will use my height to make the play. I like to split safeties, as you said, and I like the short routes; I love them. The quick bang-bang plays I really like.
When your 2019 season wrapped, what did you feel were the strengths to your game?
My routes got better as the season went on and I was understanding defenses and reading them better. Knowing which routes to run against different defenses improved a lot, that and I was being more explosive.
When the 2020 season gets going, what roles are you taking on?
This season I will be playing receiver, outside receiver, some tight end, and defensive end.
Are you guys running the same offense this season?
Yes, I believe so.
What have you been working on this offseason with your skills on offense?
I have been going to a receivers’ coach working on my breaks, explosiveness, and cuts. I am getting an understanding of defenses and reading them so I know at the line what is going on. My speed too; that has been a big focus.
For your role on defense this season, what have you been doing to prepare on that side of the ball? Also, what kind of end position are you playing? Are you standing up or down with a hand in the ground?
A hand in the ground defensive end. I have been working with my position coach throughout our offseason during our contact days on my technique at end. I have been working with him on technique, explosiveness, reading the offensive tackle, my pass rush, and reading run-pass.
At this point you may feel like a junior instead of a sophomore with all the work put into your game, but as a sophomore heading into the 2020 season which areas of your game are showing the biggest gains?
Because of the fact I did not play end last year, I’d say my work at end. I will be playing both ways this year, I like the fact that I play both because your adrenaline is always going. I love it. Last year I spent a lot of time learning the offense and now I am learning the defense. This season on offense, I will be performing and not thinking as much. Going into the season, I will know what I am doing off the bat and just playing. The mental game is improving.
In Illinois, when is the 2020 season supposed to begin?
It is supposed to begin in March. I think March 15.
Silly question. How excited are you to get the season going?
Very. I hope we have one. I don’t care how many games we play, I just want to play.
Pierce, I hear you. I appreciate your time today and wish you continued success this winter preparing for the 2020 season.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Walsh family; Pierce Walsh