Canadian defensive back Dawson Pierre posted some intriguing numbers at the University at Buffalo pro day on Thursday, previewing a potential positional switch at the next level.
The native of Longueuil, Que. measured in at just under six-foot-two and 219 pounds in front of scouts from NFL and CFL teams, boasting a 76-inch wingspan, 32-inch arms, and 10 1/8-inch hands. While he has primarily played the safety position at Concordia University, Pierre is larger than any defensive back to come through the last two CFL Combines and is expected to be moved into the box as a pro.
His testing number would be on par with some of the top linebackers in recent draft classes, as he put up 17 reps on the bench, vertical jumped 34 inches, and leapt nine feet, 10 inches in the broad. The star Stinger was also clocked at a respectable 4.77 seconds in the forty-yard dash with an impressive 1.57 ten-yard split, while also running 4.58 in the short shuttle and 7.46 in the three-cone.
Pierre has been a defensive standout for Concordia University in each of the past two seasons, earning RSEQ all-star honours in 2022. In 23 career games for the Stingers, he has made 81 total tackles, a sack, a forced fumble, and three interceptions. The massive defender has already attracted some attention south of the border this offseason, attending both the FCS Bowl and College Gridiron Showcase all-star games.
Several U Sports prospects have attended the University at Buffalo pro day in recent years to improve their stock on both sides of the border. Past participants include Edmonton Elks’ quarterback Tre Ford, Saskatchewan Roughriders’ defensive lineman Lake Korte-Moore, Toronto Argonauts’ defensive lineman Deionte Knight, Hamilton Tiger-Cats’ defensive lineman Anthony Federico, B.C. Lions’ defensive back Siriman Bagayogo, and Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ defensive back Tyrell Ford.
Pierre is projected to be a mid-round pick in the 2024 CFL Draft, which is scheduled for Tuesday, April 30 at 8:00 p.m. ET. He will be attending the CFL Combine next week in Winnipeg, which runs from March 19 through 24.
