Lost behind the headline-making running backs like LaMichael James, Trent Richardson and even Marcus Lattimore has been Temple’s Bernard Pierce.
I’ll admit we’re pretty late on the kudos train for Pierce too.
But Pierce has been one of the more productive running backs this season, rushing for over 1,300 yards and 25 touchdowns heading into today’s New Mexico Bowl against Wyoming. Against one of the nation’s worst run defenses, Pierce racked up 100 yards on 25 carries and 2 touchdowns in a 37-15 rout over the Cowboys.
It was the Owls’ first bowl win in 32 years. Once again, though, bowl season got off to a lopsided and uneventful start.
Pierce was part of a three-headed ground and pound machine today with quarterback Chris Coyer and fellow back Matt Brown. The Owls churned out 253 yards rushing on 51 attempts; Coyer only threw 12 passes all game.
With Temple’s season now over, expect to hear more talk of Pierce and the 2012 NFL Draft. A junior, Pierce has just under a month before the Jan. 15 deadline if he’s going to declare. But, given the average shelf life of running backs in the NFL, now may be as good a time as any for Pierce to jump to the next level, likely as a mid-round pick according to ESPN’s Mel Kiper.
Unless Pierce rushes for 1,800 yards next season, it’s not like Pierce’s draft stock will spike anyway. Pierce has struggled with health issues too, missing some games over the past couple of years with injuries.
But Pierce has prototypical size (6-1, 218) and has been a workhorse for the Owls this season (he averages 21 touches a game). ESPN’s other draft expert, Todd McShay, said during halftime of the New Mexico Bowl that Pierce has “good lateral quickness... especially for a bigger back”, going so far as to compare him to Texans RB Arian Foster.
Pierce isn’t as recognized as James or Richardson, but he could be a steal in this year’s draft if he decides to go.