Boise State roster countdown 2019: Day 4, DeAndre Pierce

Now that the other #4 is no longer on the roster, we no longer have to do that confusing thing where we shift DeAndre to another day of the countdown (He was #2 last year). However, this means that instead of being able to say we are only two days away from the season, it’s actually four days. Womp womp. But, four days is not very many! So, on that note...

#4, Deandre Pierce, redshirt junior, S

Stats:

Height: 5’ 11”

Weight: 180lbs. (+15)

High School: Long Beach Poly, Long Beach, CA

How’d he get to the Blue™?

By being a dang good football player. Mr. Pierce was a three-star recruit according to ESPN, Rivals, and Scout. While he was (mostly) recruited by Mountain West schools, he had some interest from the academies—Army, and Navy. The other MWC schools were: Colorado State, San Jose State, and Nevada. The Broncos were very fortunate to have enlisted his services.

Nickname

“DP”

While his Twitter handle indicates that at one time he preferred the nickname “Ray Ray”, whenever he’s referred to by other members of the defense, they call him “DP”. Also, as Doug Martin will happily remind you, no one gets to pick their own nickname.

Look-a-like

While other players’ countdowns require us to find a high profile facial comparison, Pierce comes ready-made with one, thanks to his father. DeAndre is doing a great job creating his own legacy at a different position, but his father was no slouch either. He played nine seasons in the NFL and anchored the defense of the New York Giants from one of the linebacker spots when they took on (and beat) the undefeated Patriots in Super Bowl 42.

Career Highlights

DeAndre was voted All-MWC honorable mention in 2017. He appeared in all 14 games for the Broncos in 2017—making 11 starts. He finished fourth on the team in tackles as a sophomore with 83 and was Academic All-MWC in 2016 and 2017. DeAndre appeared in 12 games as a true freshman. Broke up two passes, with 19 total tackles (14 solo), and one tackle-for-loss. Before exiting the 2019 season with a lacerated spleen after five games, DeAndre was leading the team in tackles with 23. It should also be noted that in the game where he suffered his injury, he still ended up with five tackles and a sack.

2019 Prospectus

Pierce may have been passed over by some bigger schools due to his smaller frame, however, since becoming a Bronco, he has consistently increased his playing weight and is now at a weight that makes much more sense at 180 lbs. I say “makes much more sense” because he hits people and drives them back with a force that seemed not possible by the laws of physics before he added some lbs. It’s still impressive though, at any weight. Equally impressive is his talent for making tackles in the open. Now that he is recovered from his injury, look for him to return to his spot on the field as the other starting safety next to Kekoa Nawahine. Look for him to be a very vocal leader off of it.

Is he on Twitter?

Yes and apparently the victim of a common affliction among the dwellings near Boise State’s campus.

Completely made up fact

Hedging his bets in case professional football doesn’t work out, DeAndre dealt with the downtime from his injury by becoming an accomplished online Scrabble player. Those Academic All Mountain West nods really showing through!