This time last year, Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Michael Pierce was in the midst of a highly productive senior year -- 48 tackles, including nine for a loss and 2.5 sacks -- at Samford University. Now, Pierce is part of the Ravens' rotation on the defensive line despite going undrafted.
Pierce recorded his first career sack Sept. 18 during the fourth quarter of the Ravens' win in Cleveland. The 23-year-old Pierce brought down Browns quarterback Josh McCown to create a third and long situation with the Ravens leading, 22-20. The Browns would eventually punt, giving the Ravens an opportunity to tack on a field goal.
"It was awesome," Pierce said on Glenn Clark Radio Sept. 23. "It was kind of a critical situation late in the fourth quarter. We needed to secure the win. I was so excited, I didn't even have a sack dance prepared or anything. … I was just happy. I actually came off the field the next play, so I got a chance to digest it. I was just like, 'Wow, I just made my first sack in a big situation.' It's a blessing. I was so overjoyed."
