2023 4-star EDGE Yhonzae Pierre talks favorites

Eufala, Ala. EDGE Yhonzae Pierre has close to 20 offers and after taking the fall the watch schools play and establish relationships, he has made his first cut.

The 6-foot-3, 221-pound junior ranks as the No. 40 prospect in the country in the On300. He is being pursued by some top programs and he has eight on top of his list.

“Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Penn State, Florida, Mississippi State, Georgia Tech, and Florida State,” Pierre told On3. “Those are all good schools and I like the coaches.”

Pierre took in games at Alabama, Auburn, and Mississippi State this season. He visited Florida and Georgia over the summer.

Visits combined with relationships led to this group being on top as Pierre moves into the back-end of his junior season.

“This cut means I am getting a little closer to a decision. I know I want to visit the schools I have visited yet, maybe get back to a few schools, and keep talking to coaches as things wind down for me.

“Relationships are really important. What I can do at each school is too. That is what I am looking at when I break down my top schools.”

In-state schools, Alabama and Auburn, have impressed Pierre

Pierre is only an hour from Auburn, and he got to the Plains for three games in the fall. The Tigers have made a strong impression on the in-state four-star target.

“I like the coaches and the atmosphere at Auburn,” Pierre said. “They are recruiting me hard and I think I can be a big help there.”

Alabama stands out too.

“There is a lot to like at Alabama. It is a good atmosphere there, the coaches are good, and I like the way Alabama does things.”

Location helps too, but that is not expected to play a major role in Pierre’s decision.

There is no order to Pierre’s top schools. He wants to take visits in the coming months, then make a decision when ready.

“I don’t have a timeline for my commitment. I just need to see other schools, then find the best school for me.”