Get to know Lucas, Texas, four-star linebacker Payton Pierce, who signed with the Buckeyes on Wednesday.
Height, Weight: 6-1, 225
247Sports Composite Ranking: He is rated as the No. 203 overall prospect, 16th-ranked linebacker and 35th-ranked recruit out of Texas.
Commitment Date: Pierce committed to Ohio State on April 11.
Other Offers: Arizona, Colorado, Florida State, Kansas, Louisville, LSU, Michigan, Missouri, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, Oregon, Penn State, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Utah.
How He Did In High School: In 2022, Pierce had 131 tackles, 21 for a loss, six sacks and five forced fumbles in his junior season. This year he continued his strong performance, earning a spot in the 2024 All-American Bowl.
Where He Fits For 2024: Cody Simon is going to be back with the Buckeyes in 2024, but Tommy Eichenberg will likely leave for the NFL and Steele Chambers still hasn’t made the decision whether he will leave or not. Regardless, C.J. Hicks is likely to slot into an open spot if Chambers does leave, so it would be tough for Pierce to see much time on the field next season.
