The Hawaii football team filled a primary need in its defensive secondary, receiving a commitment from a California high school cornerback.
Anthony Pierce of Mission Viejo High, son of former New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce, will finalize the deal Wednesday, the first day recruits can sign binding national letters of intent.
"He’s an outstanding corner," Mission Viejo coach Bob Johnson said.
The Warriors have lost three starting cornerbacks in the past two years, including last season’s boundary cornerback, Tank Hopkins, who graduated in December. Newly hired UH defensive coordinator Thom Kaumeyer is expected to implement an aggressive defense that will require man-to-man coverages in the secondary.
"He will play top-notch," Johnson said of Pierce. "He’s covered every corner route. I think he’ll have an outstanding career for (UH head coach) Norm Chow."
Pierce is 5 feet 9 and 170 pounds. He was named to the 2012 All-Orange County first team.
The Orange County Register said Pierce "might be the best cover corner in the county."
Brandon Huffman, the national recruiting analyst for Scout.com, said Pierce is "one of the best corners in the state of California."
Huffman echoed Johnson’s assessment, noting Pierce "can play much bigger than his size would indicate. He has tremendous ball skills. He’s not afraid to come up and pop you. Where he’s at his best probably is when he’s in coverage. He does a great job of breaking on the ball. He’s not afraid to match up against the bigger receivers."
The Diablos compete in the South Coast League. Quarterback Mark Sanchez, now with the New York Jets, is an alumnus. Johnson, whose son played for the Buffalo Bills, runs one of the nation’s top quarterback camps.
Pierce has "played in one of the toughest divisions in the West," Huffman said. "He’s been tested by good quarterbacks and receivers throughout his career."
Huffman said he envisions Pierce being able to compete at nickelback. Johnson said Pierce has been used as a kickoff returner and punt returner too.
"He’s a good player," Huffman said.
