Bainbridge sophomore running back Dameon Pierce is gaining national recognition for his performance on the field this season.

He was one of three running backs named to the MaxPreps 2015 Sophomore All-American first team list.

“It feels great,” Pierce said. “I feel very privileged they put me as a part of that. Hard work pays off.”

Pierce said he didn’t expect to be honored as an All-American before the season started. Instead, he worried about making his progress on a day-to-day and game-to-game basis, a mantra coach Jeff Littleton has been saying to his team all season.

“I’m very proud of his hard work and accomplishments on and off the field,” Littleton said. “It is great that MaxPreps is recognizing great players in this area. Also, it should give hope to others that if they do things right on and off the field, great things happen.”

Pierce’s bio description on the MaxPreps list reads, “Pierce was a handful to bring down. The 205-pounder racked up 308 carries for 2,060 yards and 33 touchdowns.”

In addition to Pierce’s rushing accomplishments, he had 108 kick return yards with a touchdown. He was the Bearcats leading scorer during the team’s 13-1 season.

The other sophomore running backs on the first team All-American list are Zamir White of Scotland High School in Lauringburg, North Carolina, and Ricky Slade of Hylton High School in Woodbridge, Virginia.