PALM BEACH GARDENS – Josh Pierre-Louis has a mantra that works well for him.
Go where you’re wanted, loved, and appreciated.
This is the primary reason why after a lengthy recruiting process in which the Benjamin 2020 athlete had 12 offers, it was crystal clear that NC State would be his college football destination.
The No. 1-ranked athlete in Palm Beach County (No. 7-ranked player overall) chose the Wolfpack over fellow finalists Louisville and UConn at his Early National Signing Day ceremony on the afternoon of Wednesday, Dec. 18.
“NC State since the summertime has felt like home,” Pierre-Louis said. “The coaches supported me and kept recruiting me hard throughout the process. I just love the program. I love the ACC. And I have a chance to start early, so that’s the best part.”
Pierre-Louis spoke on the hat arrangements at the signing table.
“I never brought the number down,” Pierre-Louis said. “I just had a few hats there. I had people from Kent State, Auburn, UAB, FAU, and other schools on me like everyday…It was a hard decision, but I just had to make the right one.”
NC State has had several former players from Palm Beach County, including the likes of Jacoby Brissett (Dwyer alum/Indianapolis Colts starting quarterback), Shawn Boone (Dwyer alum), Stephen Louis (Palm Beach Lakes alum), and Raven Saunders (Dwyer alum). It played a role in Pierre-Louis’s decision as well.
“They were great players,” Pierre-Louis said. “I talked to them about their perspective on everything. They told me it was a great program with great coaches and a great place to be. I just took that and ran with it.”
Benjamin head coach Eric Kresser weighed in.
“We’re very excited for him,” said Kresser, who noted that Pierre-Louis was presented the option to play multiple positions and get on the field early. “Anytime you have a Division 1 athlete signing, it’s a big deal. He got recruited by a lot of schools, and we’re just excited to see him play for NC State. I spoke with the coaches there, and they like what he could do with the ball on kick returns.”
Pierre-Louis, who will enroll at NC State in January, reflected on his high school football journey at Benjamin. He played with the Buccaneers for his junior and senior seasons.
“Both seasons (at Benjamin) were amazing,” Pierre-Louis said. “We went to the playoffs and we beat some great teams. We played against tough competition, week in and week out. Being a part of the Benjamin football team, it’s a great atmosphere with great players and amazing coaches. It doesn’t get any better than that.”
