It didn't last long. Once Pierce found his way into the Wildcat lineup at middle linebacker last year as a redshirt freshman, he did not do so quietly. He really surprised me because he was a vocal leader on the field last year. When things were getting tough, he'd be the one who stood up and yelled, trying to get everybody's head into it. You've got a freshman out there getting in your face, telling you you've got to step up and make the play, then he'll step up and make the play.
People take notice of that.
Enough people on the outside took notice that Pierce was named Big 12 freshman defensive player of the year. Inside the Wildcat program, he was voted one of the team player representatives before spring practice began. We're responsible for keeping our defense going. I guess that's the nature of the position. Every year we've had good leaders at the linebacker position.