Undrafted Pearce signs with the cards
By: Joseph Russell
Issue date: 4/29/09 Section: Sports
Even though he wasn't selected in the 2009 NFL Draft, former University of Memphis offensive lineman Brandon Pearce found an alternate way into the league - through free agency.
The 6-foot-6 offensive tackle signed as a free agent with the Arizona Cardinals, the team announced Monday.
Pearce played four seasons with the Tigers, which includes a stint of 45 consecutive starts. He was part of an offensive line that ranked in the top 25 nationally in sack denial for each of the last four years. The U of M led Conference-USA in sack denial from 2005-07, and was second in 2008 after giving up just 17 sacks in 13 games.
Last season, Pearce started all 13 games at right tackle, and participated in 92 percent of the Tigers' offensive plays. For his efforts, he earned a C-USA First Team nomination and was selected as co-Offensive Lineman of the Year at the team banquet.
Voted on by his teammates, Pearce served as a team captain in 2008 and began the season on the Rotary Lombardi Award Watch List.
The Memphis native didn't just excel on the field, but in the classroom as well.
He ended the season as a semifinalist for the Draddy Trophy, which is commonly referred to as the NCAA's "Academic Heisman." He was also a second-team pick on the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District squad and was selected to the C-USA All-Academic Team.
Pearce earned his bachelor's degree in English literature last May and was working towards a master's degree during his final year of eligibility.
He will begin his NFL career Thursday when he travels to Arizona to participate in their minicamp from May 1-3.
The 6-foot-6 offensive tackle signed as a free agent with the Arizona Cardinals, the team announced Monday.
Pearce played four seasons with the Tigers, which includes a stint of 45 consecutive starts. He was part of an offensive line that ranked in the top 25 nationally in sack denial for each of the last four years. The U of M led Conference-USA in sack denial from 2005-07, and was second in 2008 after giving up just 17 sacks in 13 games.
Last season, Pearce started all 13 games at right tackle, and participated in 92 percent of the Tigers' offensive plays. For his efforts, he earned a C-USA First Team nomination and was selected as co-Offensive Lineman of the Year at the team banquet.
Voted on by his teammates, Pearce served as a team captain in 2008 and began the season on the Rotary Lombardi Award Watch List.
The Memphis native didn't just excel on the field, but in the classroom as well.
He ended the season as a semifinalist for the Draddy Trophy, which is commonly referred to as the NCAA's "Academic Heisman." He was also a second-team pick on the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District squad and was selected to the C-USA All-Academic Team.
Pearce earned his bachelor's degree in English literature last May and was working towards a master's degree during his final year of eligibility.
He will begin his NFL career Thursday when he travels to Arizona to participate in their minicamp from May 1-3.