Ohio State stays fiery with four-star LB Payton Pierce commitment
Lucas (Texas) Four-Star Linebacker Lovejoy Pierce Payton is committed to ohio statebecoming the sixth commitment for the Buckeyes in the space of 15 days.
While the top 100 originally planned to see many other schools this spring and summer before making a decision, Pierce’s latest visit to Columbus sealed the deal for the Buckeyes.
“When I went for my visit it was the players on the team, the culture they have and the way they interact and compete in training,” Pierce said. “It’s like home and the place I want to be. Their coaching staff is top notch which will make me not only a better player but also a better man. It really is the right place For me.”
Although Pierce struggled with injury for most of his junior season and some schools lost communication as a result, the Ohio State and linebackers coach James Laurinaitis remained faithful to their pursuit.
“They kept recruiting me,” he said. “I have a very good relationship with coach Laurinaitis. He did it at the highest level and he did it the right way. I think it’s really cool to have someone who knows how to do it in this university and in this position, so I think it’s just a really special opportunity. Their defense suits me very well.
During his visit, Pierce was able to meet many of the football staff and university representatives, which made him feel closer to Columbus.
“I love the campus, I love the stadium,” he said. “With the size of the university, there are a lot of connections you can get there. There are a lot of great opportunities at Ohio State that you don’t get at other schools.”
While the recruiting process was long and cumbersome for Pierce, he is happy to know where he will be spending his time in college.
“I’m ready to get it over with,” he said. “I already know I’m going there and I don’t want to continue this recruiting process. I want to focus on my team and my guys, so now I’m going to do that.”
For now, Pierce will focus on his senior football season while putting on his recruiting hat for the Buckeyes with one major goal already in mind.
“Nigel Smith“, said Pierce.
At 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, Pierce is ranked 77th in the nation for the Class of 2024, according to Rivals. He is the No. 4 inside linebacker in the nation and the No. 11 rookie at Texas State.
