Four-star LB Payton Pierce has handful of spring visits on deck

After wrapping up his wrestling season in February, Lucas (Texas) Lovejoy four-star linebacker Payton Pierce is set to see double-digit programs this spring as he looks to take the next steps in his major recruitment.

His busy offseason comes on the heels of a junior season where he battled injury for most of the season, forcing him to take on a different role that he came to appreciate as the season went on.

"This is probably the most I've learned throughout a season just because of the injury," Pierce said. "I really got to learn how to be better without playing. I feel like I got pretty good at that. I hated not being able to play, but I got to figure out how much I love football."

Pierce is fully cleared ahead of his visit schedule and spring ball at his high school in May.

"It feels good to be back completely," he said. "We're getting stronger and I'm getting ready to take my game to another level. The goal this offseason is just to get better everyday."

Of his upcoming visits, Ohio State is one that stands out given the Buckeyes' pursuit in recent months and the relationships built within the program.

"I'm super excited to go check that out, I've got a great relationship with their coaches," he said. "Their DC came down to watch me wrestle, Ryan Day came down to meet me at my school. I have a good relationship with their linebackers coach. That's a visit I'm definitely looking forward to."

Notre Dame is another program that has done a solid job building a relationship as Marcus Freeman and defensive coordinator Al Golden have made the Fighting Irish feel like a home environment.

"It's really good," he said. "I'm still really close with Coach Golden. They have a really good program going on there with Coach Freeman. He is one of the best relationships I have with a head coach. Guys believe in him and they have the right types of players on their team. Also, a degree from Notre Dame is unlike anything else."

A program that will certainly be in the thick of his top contenders will be his childhood favorite Oklahoma Sooners as Brent Venables and defensive coordinator Ted Roof have both made strong impacts.

"Oklahoma has been awesome," he said. "They've been one of my favorite schools to go check out. Every time I go up there, I get something new from it. It's a really special place and it's got a special place in my heart because I grew up an Oklahoma fan. Coach Venables and I have a good relationship, we talk on a weekly basis. Same with Coach Roof. They're definitely one of the schools I enjoy going to."

In addition to seeing most of the in-state programs that have offered, Pierce will also see Florida State, Tennessee, Wisconsin and Michigan.

"After that, I'll have everything I want to pick out which schools to take official visits to," he said. "I'll take those in the summer and then make a decision by my senior year."

At 6-foot-2, 225 pounds, Pierce is ranked as the No. 72 recruit in the country for the class of 2024, according to Rivals. He is the No. 4 inside linebacker in the country and the No. 11 recruit from the state of Texas.