The recruitment of Deerfield Beach safety James Pierre is shaping up to have an interesting finish but then again, it's been an interesting journey to even reach this point.
Before his stock really took off, Pierre voiced how meaningful a Miami offer would be for him. When he got it on May 18th, he held true to that idea and committed the same day.
That was before Pierre had done much traveling though and he didn't have much to compare with home. After spending a nine day period in June visiting ten out of state schools, his perspective changed.
Then the Hurricanes struggled out of the gate in 2015. On October 13, he decommitted and promptly cast his chips with North Carolina.
Fast forward a few months and Pierre's status with the Tar Heels isn't exactly on steady ground.
"They stand where I don't really know too much about it," Pierre said. "I talk to them every day but they have a lot of kids coming in. I mean I'm committed but I'm just still looking at other options, it's not solid for me. Coach Porter was saying how they want me to stay with them."
Interestingly enough, Pierre (6-2, 174) hasn't taken a single college visit, official or unofficial, since his senior year began. That could make his pending decision either easier or harder.
"I don't know where I'm going yet but I should on signing day," Pierre said. "It's really out of North Carolina, Miami, and Louisville, those three. My coach is helping me and my mom figure this thing out. They want me to make the best choice now so I'm prepared to make the best choices in the rest of my life. They say every day it's up to whatever I feel."
Cincinnati, Kentucky, Mississippi State, South Carolina, Syracuse, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Wisconsin round out Pierre's major offers.
Miami is looking to add another safety in the next few days and they may very well have their guy in Pierre. Only time will tell if he elects to stay local but it's under strong consideration.
"I just like Miami, I've been thinking about them a lot," Pierre said. "They have a good chance to change my mind. I started getting very interested again ever since they got the new coaching staff. They're doing good things and they only got a couple spots left. They love how I play on film and they need someone like me in their secondary."
Between the new face of the program and some potential teammates, Pierre sees a lot to like.
"I see some of their players in this class and I can relate to those guys," Pierre said. "Sam Bruce, Michael Irvin, I wouldn't mind balling with those boys. I love everything Coach Richt brings to the table and he can relate to kids too. He's been doing this for a long time and he understands the game of football too."
Pierre is a three star prospect according to the 247Sports Composite, ranking him 48th in the nation at his position and 98th overall in the state of Florida.