PAHOKEE – Let us face it head-on right now.
In some respects, Pahokee 2024 defensive back Pierre Fertil is underrated. In other respects, the 6-foot, 177-pound rising stars is getting noticed on the college recruiting front.
But first, we will need to highlight what Fertil accomplished as a junior for the Blue Devils.
In 12 total games last season, Fertil had the following statistics:
•20 tackles
•7 pass breakups
•2 interceptions
The best individual game for Fertil was in Week 2 against Benjamin, when he had:
•3 tackles
•2 pass breakups
•1 interception
As a result of this, our No. 21-ranked overall player in the Class of 2024 has earned a slew of college scholarship offers to date. They include the following:
•FIU
•Western Kentucky
•Middle Tennessee State
•Wright State
•UNC-Pembroke
Fertil revealed what he wants from his eventual college pick.
“What I’m looking for in a college on the field is somewhere where I’m wanted. Somewhere that feels like home away from home,” Fertil said. “Somewhere I can contribute and make a big impact as a true freshman. Facilities don’t have to be fancy, but enough to elevate my game and somewhere I can possibly earn a degree. And a place that I can go to and possibly make it to the NFL.”
At this time, Fertil has no clear favorite as his college of choice. But he does have a time that he wants to make his final decision.
“Every school has the opportunity to land me as of right now,” said Fertil, who plans to visit FIU later this month. “I’ll be making a commitment around the beginning of the season.”
While Fertil is mulling his college options, he is also making sure to get himself in great shape for his upcoming senior season at Pahokee.
“My summer has been going as expected by being dominant at camps,” Fertil said. “My school hasn’t done any 7-on-7’s. I don’t think we are going to, but as far as workouts, I’ve been going hard in the weight room and on the field with some of my coaches like Coach Clint [Everett] and Buck [Rontavious Atkins]. Them guys been really pushing me to bring out my best in doing the workouts.”
Fertil has also been motivated somewhat by his current ranking at No. 21 for the Class of 2024, which has been in place since March 30.
“Oh that was accurate round that time,” Fertil said. “But now I’ve been putting in the work and gotten way better. I feel like I’m top 12 and top 3 in my position right now.”
For the upcoming fall season, Fertil has shared his goals.
“My individual goals are to be All-County First Team, double my interceptions from last year to four, to be a dominant DB and also be dominant at wide receiver when needed,” Fertil said. “Our team goals are to go undefeated and win a state championship.”
To wrap this up, Fertil is confident in new Pahokee head coach Matthew Sparrowhawk, who was recently promoted to the position after serving under previous head coaches D.J. Boldin and Emmanuel Hendrix.
“Our current head coach, Coach Hawk, is fully invested into the program,” Fertil said. “He’s a guy that been around the scene. Been coaching at Pahokee, but took the head coaching job to try and make us more comfortable because he’s a face we are used to seeing everyday. He’s definitely a competitive coach and knows how to win.”
We wish Fertil all the best as he plans to elevate his team and secure his college football future in the coming weeks.
PHOTO CREDITS: Solitario Visuals