Prospect Profile: Tyrone Pierre ready to compete

TORONTO — Tyrone Pierre has gotten a taste of what it’s like to be a champion. Now, with his sights on the next level, he’s hungry for more.

The Laval receiver won a Vanier Cup with Laval in 2016 and, with the CFL Draft just around the corner, is hoping more championships are in his future.

“That was definitely a highlight moment for me in my career,” said Pierre.

Pierre has made a four-year career at Laval making big plays with his hands. But the 6-foot-3, 210-pound receiver from Ottawa says he’ll do anything to help his team win.

“I’m a winner at heart, so if that means I have to play defensive back or whatever it is, I’ll do it,” he assured. “Special teams, I’ll do it. I’m definitely someone who looks forward to making the big plays at any given moment and just trying to give my team that edge and that energy.

“I’m looking forward to making plays for whichever team decides to pick me.”

“Winning it all, that’s what you do it for. That’s why you go through all those tedious workouts and push yourself each and every single day.”

Tyrone Pierre on winning a Vanier Cup

 

While there are other higher-profile receivers in this year’s draft, Pierre’s athleticism could make him a target in the first few rounds on draft day. A former basketball player, Pierre transitioned to football at a relatively young age and the move paid off.

“Pierre is a dynamic pass-catcher with room to improve in route running and decision-making, but his frame and play style is reminiscent of current Alouettes pass-catcher George Johnson,” said CFL.ca draft analyst Marshall Ferguson.

Pierre’s eagerness to play special teams should also help his draft stock in the eyes of scouts. The athleticism, meanwhile, shows the upside for more down the road.

“I actually started off playing basketball,” recalled Pierre. “The football coach walked by and said I should try picking up the football and, you know, after that day I sort of ran with it and never looked back.

“Devoting all this time and energy to the sport and to the game I love, but winning it all, that’s what you do it for. That’s why you go through all those tedious workouts and push yourself each and every single day.”

The CFL Draft will take place May 3 at 8 p.m. ET.