May 15, 2024
Sports

Football: Glenbard West WR Alec Pierce commits to Cincinnati

By BOB NARANG

Alec Pierce runs the ball Friday, Sept. 22, 2017 after making a catch during their away game against Downers Grove North. (Sarah Minor)

Alec Pierce always envisioned himself playing sports in college.

He just didn’t know the sport.

“I always knew I was going to play a sport in college, but I wasn’t really sure what I would do or at what level,” Pierce said.

The Glenbard West senior cemented his college plans by committing to play football for Cincinnati on Monday. During his high school career, Pierce, a wide receiver, played volleyball for his first three years, plans to run track this spring, played a season of basketball and excelled on the gridiron.

“[Alec] is an amazing young man with tremendous talent,” Glenbard West coach Chad Hetlet said. “In my mind, he will excel at Cincinnati.”

At 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, Pierce’s versatility and athleticism caught the eye of numerous colleges. This season, he caught 25 passes for 372 yards and five touchdowns and tallied three sacks and four interceptions along with returning punts. Pierce was named the MVP of the West Suburban Silver.

Pierce, a three-star recruit according to 247Sports, said he received an offer from Cincinnati during the regular season, but waited until after the season to further investigate the school. An official visit last weekend, Pierce said, made a big impact on his decision to select the American Athletic Conference school.

“I got to meet a lot of players in the class and all the coaches and see all the facilities. I really liked it out. I came home and talked to my high school coach about it, and after that I decided to commit.

“I didn’t know much, never been to see the school or visit the city. I really like the city, and that was a big part of it.”

Perhaps, Pierce might establish a West Suburban connection in the Queen City. Lyons Township senior quarterback Ben Bryant also committed to the Bearcats program. Pierce is the fourth Chicago area recruit to commit to Cincinnati coach Luke Fickell. Pierce said he met Mount Carmel offensive lineman Jeremy Cooper and Simeon wide receiver Jayshon Jackson during his official visit.

“With Ben being the quarterback, I felt a good connection,” Pierce said. “It’s definitely a good thing [Cincinnati] is starting to recruit in this area.”