by Powell Cobb and Brandon O’Connor

The Post-Searchlight

 

Bainbridge running back Dameon Pierce verbally committed to Alabama Friday among 17 other Division 1 offers.

Pierce is a rising junior and the No. 3 running back in the country for the class of 2018 according to the 247Sports composite ranking. A four-star running back listed at 5-feet-11-inches and 205 pounds, he said playing for the Crimson Tide felt like the perfect fit.

“Coach (Larry) Cosby has already incorporated a couple of the drills they do with their backs into our own workouts,” Pierce said. “They run a zone-based offense pretty much like ours, so that won’t be a hard transition.”

Pierce said he has been going to Tuscaloosa for camps the past three years and has built relationships with Alabama coaches during that time.

Andrew Bone, recruiting reporter for Tide Sports, called Pierce a strong, physical running back that fits the mold of backs recruited by Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide.

“He is very similar to former Alabama Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram in terms of size and skill,” Bone said. “Pierce fits in extremely well with what Alabama does on offense. He is a smash-mouth back. Alabama has recruited several top offensive linemen in the last few years, which is very appealing to elite running backs.”

Bone said de-commitments and flips seem to happen very often for players that commit early.

“You always have to watch recruits who commit early and continue to take visits,” he said.

Bainbridge coach Jeff Littleton was surprised to hear Pierce share earlier last week that he was making the decision to commit to Alabama, but is excited for his player.

“It’s awesome for him, awesome for our program,” Littleton said. “It’s really neat that the top program wants a player from Bainbridge.”

But the commitments may not end with Pierce. Littleton said he hopes other Bainbridge players might get a look from schools that were initially interested in Pierce.

“I think it gets their attention,” Littleton said. “People are looking. They’ve got to do a lot of the same things Dameon has done already. He’s got his grades in order, he’s worked hard in the weight room and on the football field. It gives people hope.”

Pierce, Littleton and the Bainbridge Bearcats start the regular season Friday, August 26, against Lee County at Centennial Field.