By Scott McInnerney
WNSP Reporter
MOBILE, AL – Baltimore Ravens nose tackle Michael Pierce joined The Opening Kickoff in the studio Friday.
Pierce graduated from Daphne High School, helping the Trojans to the Alabama 6-A state championship in 2010. He went on to play two years at Tulane before transferring to Samford University.
As an undrafted free agent, Pierce signed with Baltimore in 2016. In his time in the NFL, he has 84 tackles, three sacks, and two fumble recoveries.
Pierce gave some insight on what to expect from the upcoming NFL Playoff games this weekend. He touched on the matchup between New England’s offensive line and the Jaguars’ pass rush.
“Let’s see how Marcell Dareus does against their interior,” Pierce said. “He’s a $100 million guy and a perennial pro-bowler when he’s healthy. We’ll see how Tom Brady does against their front. That’s going to be the key to the game.”
He continued, talking about the NFC Championship between the Eagles and Vikings.
“All the Eagles’ hope relies on Nick Foles,” Pierce said. “We’ll see what he can come up with, but if it’s anything like last week, he may be in trouble.”
Pierce’s younger brother Myles will be playing in the 2018 Reese’s Senior Bowl, representing The Citadel.
“You’re going to see a physical linebacker,” Pierce said. “Playing at a Division 1 AA school, you don’t get a lot of publicity. I think he’s going to surprise some people.”
Pierce concluded the interview by discussing his ideal play as a defensive lineman.
“Interception,” he said. “I was fortunate enough to have a scoop-and-score. I didn’t have to run anywhere. I kind of ended up in the end zone.
“Having an interception and running is special.”
Listen to the full interview below. For more, tune in to The Opening Kickoff with Mark and Lee weekday mornings from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.