Perseverance pays off for S.C. State’s Pearson

Nygel Pearson is finally reaping the benefits of being healthy.

After three surgeries, the South Carolina State right tackle has become a force on the offensive line for the Bulldogs, who clinched the MEAC title last week and earned a spot in the I-AA playoffs for the first time since 1982.

If the Bulldogs win today in their regular-season finale against North Carolina A&T, they will have their first 10-win season since 1994.

“It was a good feeling,” said Pearson, who was a high school standout at Darlington. “We had to share in 2004 and winning outright is a real big deal. We have been so close for the last four years.”

The year has been especially rewarding for Pearson, who has been almost injury free for the first time in his career.

After redshirting his first season, Pearson played in only three games because of injury and had to miss all of 2006 when he broke his foot.

Last season, he was penciled in as a starter but missed the first four games after breaking his hand. Pearson played well when he came back and was named the starter during spring practice this year.

“I have had a great support system and was able to learn from other players and coaches,” Pearson said. “I have learned a whole lot from the whole experience. ... Now I’m finally playing some good football.”

Pearson hasn’t missed a game this season, opening holes for running back William Ford, who has rushed for 1,221 yards and is a Payton Award finalist.

The Bulldogs offensive line also has been just as good in pass protection, allowing a conference-low eight sacks in 11 games.

One of Pearson’s finest moments came against Hampton in which he earned MEAC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors. He recorded four pancake blocks, three domination blocks, 11 cut blocks and four touchdown-creating blocks.

“It was a good game against one of the better teams and I was happy to be recognized for that,” Pearson said.

With his athletic career finally reaching its potential, Pearson has never missed a beat in the classroom.

The fifth-year senior carried a 3.6 GPA and graduated in four years with a degree in physical education. Pearson is on pace to get his masters in education this summer and was a semifinalist for the Draddy Award, given to the athlete with the best combination of academics, community service and on-field performance.

“You look at some of the people who have won it like Peyton Manning and it was good to be just nominated for it,” Pearson said.

Pearson also sits on the school’s student advisory committee and is involved in a reading program to elementary schools. He said he is well aware of the notion about athletes not doing their part and is doing his part to change that perception.

“You always deal with that stereotype,” Pearson said. “That’s one of the reasons I graduated in four years and have worked hard, especially in the classroom.”