University Southern California Trojans
Pierson Gets His Shot
November 14, 2000 | Football
Nov. 14, 2000
After USC defeated Arizona State, 44-38 in double overtime, one of the names that everyone was talking about was fullback Chad Pierson. Or should we say tailback Chad Pierson?
The 6-1, 240-pound sophomore, who came into the ASU game with only 15 yards rushing on four carries during his entire USC career, had his best outing ever with 72 yards (mostly out of the tailback position) on 16 carries and the game-winning touchdown. The following week against Washington State, Pierson proved he was no fluke, rumbling for 36 yards on just five carries. For the season, Pierson has 124 yards on 24 carries (a 5.2 average) and has been a glue-fingered receiver out of the backfield with 10 catches for 147 yards and two touchdowns.
While most of the fans watching the games might have been surprised by Pierson's new role, he knew that he was ready.
"In practice the week before the game I knew that I was going to be moved to tailback to back up Sultan (McCullough) because of all the injuries," Pierson said. "My number was called and I was able to perform. I got a chance to run the ball, which I have always loved to do."
Well, not always.
Flash back a few years ago to when Pierson was just eight years old. He had just finished playing his first year of football and he told his dad what he thought of the experience.
"My first year, after I played, I went to my dad and I said that I didn't want to play this game again," Pierson said. "I just didn't like it. I preferred to play soccer. But my dad told me that I had to play. He told me that this is what I was going to be able to do."
After Pierson's impressive recent outings, his dad just might have been proven right. Over the years, Pierson has grown to love the sport that he once swore he'd never play again. Furthermore, with his growing interest in football came the dream of playing it at the next level.
"USC has always been a dream for me," said Pierson, who prepped at Oxnard (Calif.) High. "I had gone to a couple games during high school and seeing the tradition just made me want to be a part of it."
An important friendship largely made on the football field also inspired Pierson to come to USC to play.
"(Offensive lineman) Jacob Rogers got his offer maybe a month or a few weeks before I did to come play football at USC," said Pierson, who played with Rogers at Oxnard High. "That inspired me because I have played with him since I was eight years old. We've been together our whole careers and our families are also really close."
Now a football player by choice, Pierson works hard to become the best that he can be.
"I always try to work out and stay fit," said Pierson, who also enjoys snowboarding and waterskiing with his family.
In addition to always trying to stay fit, Pierson enjoys reading up on his favorite football player, Mike Alstott. He tries to pattern himself after the bruising Tampa Bay Buccaneer fullback/tailback.
"Right now my favorite football player is Mike Alstott," said Pierson. "I just got done reading an article on him on what he does in the off-season. I look at what he is drinking, like protein shakes and other nutritional supplements. I mean, he does both of the things that I would like to do-- play fullback and maybe become a running threat at tailback. I just try and do the things that he can do and build myself to look the way he looks."
That is a pretty impressive commitment to football coming from a guy who once envisioned himself playing soccer instead. Even more impressive, however, is Pierson's personal goal, a goal that indeed shows that he now has a passion for the gridiron.
"My personal goal is to become a captain before I leave here," Pierson said. "I want to lead people and show them what I can do. I'm not really a speaker, but I feel like if I can contribute on the field, people are going to look at me and say that I am doing my job and leading this team.
"I am just really glad that my dad made me stick with football."
After seeing him score the game-winning touchdown against Arizona State in double overtime, Pierson probably isn't the only one.
by Erin Szymanski
Sports Information Student Assistant
