Before he suits up as a junior for Hewitt-Trussville High School in Birmingham (Ala.), offensive lineman Pierce Quick joined Matt Suleski of Fox Sports Shoals and yours truly on Monday’s airing of The Way It Is. Regarded as a four-star offensive tackle by multiple recruiting networks, Quick committed to the University of Alabama on April 22.
With the program losing Bradley Bozeman and possibly Ross Pierschbacher after the season, it was important to land Quick.
“It was one of the greatest days of my life,” Quick said upon being asked about his excitement to receive an offer from the Tide. “I remembered when I went up for junior day, I knew I was visiting Coach Saban but I didn’t know that I was getting an offer. I was just sitting in his office and when he told me that I had an offer, my heart felt soft. One of the greatest feelings ever.”
A lifelong Alabama fan, Pierce said winning made the Crimson Tide standout to him.
“It’s been a dream of mine to play at Alabama,” he said. “I’ve bled crimson my entire life and Nick Saban is the greatest college football coach right now.”
While many high schoolers would put their present situation on the backburner after getting a scholarship from a major college program, Pierce is focused on winning a state championship at Hewitt-Trussville. Defensive coordinator Rudy Griffin, a former Alabama standout, is pushing both the defense and offense in order to make that goal obtainable.
“Coach Griffin is a great coach,” Quick said.
“I’ve played a little on defense, but watching him push these guys, I believe he’s the best defensive coordinator in the state if not the country. He might be the defensive coordinator, but he pushes everyone on the team. He knows what he’s talking about at every single position.”
Along with Quick, quarterback Paul Tyson is another offensive dynamo for Hewitt-Trussville. Tyson, who’s the great-grandson of legendary Tide head coach Paul W. “Bear” Bryant, is a pro-style athlete for the 2019 recruiting cycle.
“Paul is an outstanding quarterback,” Quick said. “Paul does not miss a throw. No matter how tough the throw is, he doesn’t miss it. Watching him do this in practice is ridiculous. Honestly, when it comes down to our senior year, he’ll be one of the top quarterbacks in the nation.”
Despite being sold on Alabama, Michigan and Oregon are still pursuing Quick. He was recently invited to participate in the 2019 Under Armour All-America Game on Monday. He’s also trying to recruit Tyson to follow him to Tuscaloosa.
Check out the audio below.
Stephen M. Smith is a managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
