Juco WR heading to K-State

In Kansas State recruiting circles, you know you're important when you're hosted on your official visit by freshman quarterback Josh Freeman.

Freeman, the freshman quarterback that came in mid-season to lead the Wildcats to a 7-5 record, has grown into a quick celebrity in Manhattan and is said to represent the future of the Wildcat program. And to improve on this season's mark Freeman knows he needs some players to throw the football to.

That's where Ernie Pierce of Santa Barbara City College comes in.

Pierce was in Manhattan this weekend for his official visit and on the visit was offered a scholarship by coach Ron Prince. It was one he quickly accepted.

"Coach Prince asked me if I was ready to commit," Pierce said.

"I told him I was. He said that if I was still looking then they'd still be looking, too. I told him I didn't need to look anymore. I found the perfect fit for me."

Pierce said a big reason why he was ready to commit was because of the personal attention he got from his future quarterback.

"Josh was my host," Pierce said. "He's every bit of 6-foot-6. He's a freak. I'm 6-foot-4 and about 207 pounds, and he made me feel small. That was kind of a weird feeling because we don't have too many quarterbacks like that around here. He was a great guy.

"We got along really well, and we just clicked together. I can see why so many of the players rallied behind him this year."

Pierce also got along with another one of his teammates, receiver Lamark Brown, who was in Manhattan on his official visit.

"I know he's one of their bigger athletes that have committed," Pierce said about Brown. "We got to talk to each other and get to know more about each other's backgrounds. He seemed like a really cool guy. He was just like Josh – a really cool guy to talk to."

Pierce signed with Idaho State out of high school and was being heavily recruited by Troy, Washington, Washington State, Oregon, Oregon State and most recently San Diego State. He was originally from Sweetwater High School in the San Diego area and will enroll at K-State with three to play two after a spring semester graduation.

"I had a great time on the visit," Pierce said. "It was really nice. The coaching staff was unbelievable. I think they're getting a tall, physical receiver that does have the ability to get downfield and make big plays. My route running skills have become really good because of my receiver coach here.

"I think these two years have prepared me to take my game to the next level. Things never really worked out with Idaho State, but I knew that I had bigger things coming for me. I'm ready to play in the Big 12."