Some men who possess the same exact name as their father decide to not follow in dad's footsteps and seek different or opposite interests.

That is not the case of Charles Pierre, Jr. Like father, like son.

Dad was Florida Atlantic's first 1,000-yard rusher, Florida Atlantic, using his immense strength to plow over, or through, defenders. 

Pierre, Jr., became the University of South Dakota's first 1,000-yard rusher in the Div. I era last season as the Coyotes reached their first FBS semifinals. It was as if it was what he was born to do, and the junior-to-be walks through his childhood of wanting to be just like pops.

But Pierre, Jr., almost gave up football when family tragedy hit his freshman year. His college prospects took a hit when an injury to his "alien leg" ended his junior season after just three games.

So how did he plow through the adversity to become a major cog in a national championship contender? How did he get to Vermillion from Orlando in the first place? What was it like splitting time with Travis Theis? What is Aidan Bouman like in the huddle before big plays?

Stories flow about the big wins over North Dakota State in both 2023 and '24 and the crushing losses to the Bison in '23 and SDSU and Montana State in '24. Then, Bob Nielson's retirement and Travis Johansen taking the reigns as 2025 began. 

The speedster brings us up to speed as USD looks to remain a Top 5 program, even after some other All-Americans left for greener pastures in the FBS during and after spring ball.