Pierce declares eligibility for NFL Draft

Junior All-American running back Bernard Pierce has decided officially enter the National Football League Draft, according to a press release. The NFL will take place on April 26-28 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

The Glen Mills School product will forego his senior season with the Temple Owls as well his degree in communications. The release states that Pierce intends to return to Temple to complete his degree.

Pierce became Temple’s all-time leader in rushing touchdowns (53), total touchdowns (54), and points scored (324). He set season records for rushing touchdowns (27), total touchdowns (27), points scored (162), and 100-yard rushing games (nine), while setting game records for rushing touchdowns in a game (five) and points scored (30) both coming in the win against Maryland this past season.

Marty Magid of MRM Sports in Conshohocken, Pa. is Pierce’s agent.

Bernard Pierce named to Maxwell Award Watch List

Courtesy Dylan Buell, Ball State Daily News

Junior running back Bernard Pierce is one of nine players in the country to be added to the Maxwell Award Watch List, which annually honors the College Player of the Year.

Pierce is currently leading the nation with 15 touchdowns and is the Owls’ and Mid-American Conference’s top scorer with 90 points after six games.  The Ardmore native has scored three or more touchdowns in four games this season and set a school record 41 career rushing touchdowns in the Owls’ last game Saturday against Ball State.

The 6-foot, 218-pound ball carrier picked up 121 rushing yards and three touchdowns in the Ball State game, recording more than 100 yards rushing for the fourth time this season and the 13th time in his career.  On the year, Pierce has rushed for 692 yards on 141 attempts.

“The goal is to get the guys who are you’re playmakers to touch the football as many times as you can,” said coach Steve Addazio in a press conference today.

Last year quarterback Cam Newton of Auburn was presented with the 74th Annual Maxwell Football Club’s honor. Newton led the No. 1 Tigers to a 22-19 win against No. 2 Oregon at the 2011 Bowl Series Championship National Championship game and to a 13-0 regular season record.

The voters for the Maxwell College Awards are NCAA Head College Football Coaches, members of the Maxwell Football Club and sportswriters and sportscasters from across the nation.