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| This should not be physically possible...that's 335lbs in the air |
One of the best stories the recruiting trial has ever produced is the sudden stardom of Dallas-area defensive line prospect Armand Fernandez-Pierre. A massive high school senior [6'3, 335lbs] with quick feet and a noticeable mean streak is sure to get the attention of a lot of college coaches, but Fernandez-Pierre has drawn national acclaim mostly for his off-field exploits. As a nose tackle for the Episcopal School of Dallas [ESD], Armand dominates his often over-matched competition. Luckily for his opponents, he only plays a portion of the game -- that's because he is also a dedicated member of Episcopal's cheerleading team. This isn't a joke or a stunt either. Armand has actually been a high school cheerleader longer than he has been high school football player! The incredibly nimble and athletic big man suffered a serious neck injury while playing football in middle school. At one point, Armand Fernandez-Pierre was partially paralyzed, and it seemed to be a foregone conclusion that he would never play football again. In the absence of the sport, Fernandez-Pierre first dabbled and then excelled in many other non-athletic ventures. He turned out to be a rather talented thespian and singer [he is in the school choir], and is enough of a technology buff to work on the "Geek Squad" at his local Best Buy. It was during his junior year that he decided to get a little bit closer to the football field by joining the ESD cheer squad. The school's newly hired football coach at the time, Clayton Sanders, had to be driven crazy by seeing such an exceptional athlete doing cartwheels along his sidelines each day during practice. The new coach was finally able to recruit Armand to join the football team [pending medical clearance], but it was only under the condition that Armand be able to split his time between the football team and the cheer squad. Figuring that a part time dominant player is better than no dominance at all, Sanders sought to make the arrangement work. Once getting medical clearance, reaching a timeshare agreement with the school's cheer coach, and receiving the blessing from Armand's understandably hesitant mother, Sanders was able to see his prize recruit in pads. The unique talent that Sanders uncovered has the likes of Notre Dame, UCLA, North Carolina and Miami all very curious. While rehabbing his injury, Armand slowly developed into a gifted power lifter. It is reported that he benches 325lbs, squats an incredible 650lbs, and dead lifts up to 560lbs. Armand's herculean strength, combined with his uncanny fitness and agility create a package that makes him one of the country's most intriguing prospects. Fernandez-Pierre is aware that his foray into playing football has become serious business, but he remains dedicated to the commitment that he has made to cheerleading. As interest eventually turns into scholarship offers, it will be be very interesting to see where Armand Fernandez-Pierre takes his many talents next year. Also, is there any chance that he cheers in college?
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