*Pierno signs w/ RocNation, talks NSFL interviews

ralz9 · (This post was last modified: 09-07-2017, 04:05 PM by bovovovo.)

PRESS RELEASE
Roc Nation Sports

RALEIGH, N.C. - Nicholas Pierno joined national and local media in Downtown Raleigh to officially sign with Jay Z's entertainment representation company.

Pierno told media "When Jay Z's people reached out to me, I cancelled all my other interviews. They made it clear they could elevate my brand to reach a global scale both on and off the field. I'll be joining a group of extremely established and talent athletes at Roc Nation and I can't wait to show I belong with the likes of them with my performance on the field. Off the field, I love Roc Nation's focus on transparency with the media, charitable efforts and overall brand strategies."

Jay Z, who joined Pierno at the media availability, said Pierno was an athlete who had caught his eye during his time with North Carolina State.

"Nicholas is a kid who really lights it up on the field and keeps you on the edge of your seat, the 17 rushing touchdowns he had last year speak for itself. Off the field, he's an outspoken icon. He loves fashion, his hometown and thrives when he's under the spotlight. He's what we look for when we search for athletes to represent."

Pierno also answered questions about teams he's met with during the pre-draft process. The Yellowknife Wraiths, Orange County Otters, Arizona Outlaws, Philadelphia Liberty and Las Vegas Legion have expressed interest in the Carolina product and met with him one-on-one.

Pierno expressed he appreciated each team reaching out to him, but did note that one meeting really pulled him in.

"I've lived on both coasts growing up, so I always imagined I'd want to play somewhere on the coast but after meeting with the Legion front office, I was really able to envision a future for myself playing in Las Vegas."

Pierno noted that Philadelphia, his birthplace, and Orange County are also preferred destinations. The meeting with Arizona went well, Pierno was impressed with the front office's professionalism and honesty, but it was hard for him to see a future as an Outlaw.

"Regardless of where I'm drafted, I'm going to be 110% dedicated. I only get one NSFL career and I plan to make the most of it," he said.

The NSFL Draft is Wednesday, Sept. 6 at 8 p.m. EST. Pierno has been picked as a first-round selection in five mock drafts and is ranked as the No. 3 quarterback in this class after totaling 36 total touchdowns and 3,655 total yards (1,321 rushing; 2,334 passing) with the Wolfpack last year in one of the more rigorous divisions in the nation (Scouting Report).

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