Detroit Lions Sign Casey Pierce
5/3/2015 9:49:00 PM | Football
Kent State's Casey Pierce (Parma, Ohio) signed as free agent with the Detroit Lions Saturday, shortly after the conclusion of the NFL Draft. Pierce put together what may have been the best season of any tight end in Golden Flashes' program history in 2014.
The 6-4 tight end was one of only two Mid-American Conference players chosen for the Senior Bowl this past season and just the third player in Kent State's history to receive the honor.
On Sunday, teammate Chris Humphrey (Solon, Ohio) was invited to participate in rookie minicamp with the Green Bay Packers, beginning May 8.
After starting his career with the Flashes as a walk-on, Pierce became a main target in Kent State's passing game by his junior year. His development continued in 2014 as the team captain established himself as one of the elite tight ends in the nation.
An All-MAC selection, Pierce's 60 catches shattered Kent State's record for grabs in a season by a tight end (previously 47). It was also the most catches by any Kent State player since 2004.
The Normandy High School product led the Flashes with six touchdowns and 641 yards receiving in 2014. He ended his career by making two or more catches in 18 straight games and three or more grabs in 12 consecutive contests.
In addition to his success on the field, Pierce earned a MAC Distinguished Scholar Athlete award and was selected to the National Football Foundation's Hampshire Honor Society.
Of all the draft picks and free agents to join the Lions over the weekend, Pierce is the lone tight end.
The current Golden Flashes open their season Friday, Sept. 4, at Illinois.
