Rodnell Pierce, Cleveland (OH) Glenville, signed a letter of intent with Ball State on National Signing Day. Pierce, one of the leading tacklers on the Tarblooder defense, explained his college choice.
"I'm really thankful to be headed to Ball State," Pierce said of his decision. "I got a great feel for the school, and the coaching staff, so it's the best place for me. I know a lot of guys at Ball State, and I think it will be a lot of fun playing with those guys."
Although Pierce, 6-foot, 195-pounds, will not be enrolling in August, he will not go on scholarship until January.
"I will be a gray-shirt at Ball State, and I will be starting on scholarship next January," he explained. "I am considered to be a part of the 2011 class. The time off gives me more time to get bigger and stronger in the weight room. I can't wait to get out on the field with the rest of my teammates, and hopefully the time will go by pretty fast."
Although he starred at linebacker for Glenville, it is anticipated that Pierce will move back to safety with the Cardinals.
"I'm not sure right now, but they talked about me playing safety," he stated. "A lot depends on how big I get, and how I do once I get out on the field for them."
Pierce is expecting to succeed in the classroom at Ball State as well, and has a good idea of what area he plans on studying.
"I want to get into the criminal justice field," he said. "I also want to minor in business. Not playing football right off the bat will let me concentrate strictly on my classwork, and I'm hoping to get off to a good start. I feel very lucky to be heading to Ball State to play college football."