WFL Prospect Profile: Nolan Pierce

Reporters Daniel DeVito, Chatwick GerPointe, Nolan Pierce

Name: Nolan Pierce

Position: Running Back

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 250 pounds

Scouted By: WFL Scout (through informal meeting)

Attended WFL Global: Morgantown

Background:

Nolan Pierce’s story is anything but conventional. A 6’4", 250-pound powerhouse, Pierce has the build of an NFL linebacker, yet he’s playing running back in the World Football League (WFL). His journey to professional football is unique, having never played college football but instead spending his formative years working in the coal mines. While many athletes were training and competing on the field, Pierce was laboring in the grueling environment of the mines, developing a level of strength and resilience that few could match.

Despite his lack of a traditional football background, Pierce has a natural raw athleticism that caught the attention of a WFL scout. This meeting was purely coincidental—a chance conversation that turned into an opportunity of a lifetime. It is not often that a player from outside the college football system gets a chance at professional football, but Pierce’s physicality and work ethic made a lasting impression on the scout, who immediately saw potential in his game.

Physical Attributes:

Pierce’s physicality is his standout trait. Standing at 6’4” and weighing 250 pounds, he combines the strength and size of a fullback with the agility and potential of a running back. His height and weight are exceptional for the position, allowing him to take on defenders with power, but also making him an intriguing prospect due to his unique combination of traits. Despite his large frame, Pierce carries his weight well. His movements show surprising nimbleness for his size, with some suggesting he has the ability to break tackles with both speed and brute force. His strength, honed in the coal mines where he worked tirelessly, is one of his most distinctive assets. In the right system, Pierce could develop into a bruising back capable of grinding down defenses over the course of a game.

STRENGTHS:

Size and Toughness: With a size that towers over most defensive backs, Pierce is an absolute load to bring down. His physicality allows him to wear down opposing defenses, and he should be a nightmare in short-yardage situations.

Hard-nosed, Relentless Runner: His background in manual labor has given Pierce a strong work ethic, and his relentless style of play reflects that. He runs with a chip on his shoulder and shows no hesitation when taking on contact.

Untapped Potential: With no formal football training since high school, Pierce is a raw, unpolished gem. His potential for development under the right coaching is immense. He could become an even more complete back with a focus on technique and conditioning.

WEAKNESSES:

Lack of Experience: Pierce’s lack of college football experience is evident. His understanding of complex offensive schemes and defensive reads will need to improve. He is not as polished as other rookies who have had years of formal training.

Conditioning and Agility: Although he is nimble for his size, his conditioning may need adjustment to handle the full demands of a professional football season. Pierce’s stamina and agility on longer runs or over multiple plays could be areas of improvement.

Pass Protection and Catching: As with many first-year backs without extensive football experience, Pierce's pass protection and receiving skills will need work. While he may have the physicality to pass block, his technique is unrefined, and catching passes out of the backfield is an area for growth.

Injury Risk:  With his size and physical running style, Pierce may be at risk for injuries, particularly as he transitions into a more high-impact football environment. His body will need to be prepared for the wear and tear of professional football.

Projection:

Nolan Pierce’s transition to the WFL is a fascinating one. He has the physical tools and mentality to be a dominant running back, and with proper coaching and development, he could emerge as a significant contributor. His size alone could allow him to create mismatches against defenders, and his power running could become a key element of a team’s offensive strategy.

Pierce’s road to professional football is unconventional, but his work ethic and physical traits speak volumes about his potential. He may need time to adjust to the speed and intricacies of the professional game. Still, if he can refine his skills, Pierce has the makings of a bruising, ground-and-pound back who can wear down opposing defenses, create tough yards, and eventually carve out a lasting career.

Ultimately, Nolan Pierce is a developmental project with immense upside—a player who, with the right guidance and dedication, could become a force in the WFL for years to come.

Nolan Pierce will be playing for the Scotland Legends this season