‘It Came Right to Me’: Yhonzae Pierre on Pick-Six in Alabama Win

TUSCALOOSA, Ala.—Alabama’s defense dominated in its season opener against East Carolina, running away with a 48-10 win. Senior linebacker Yhonzae Pierre had a standout performance, recording a pick-six in the second quarter. 

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After the game, Pierre broke down what he saw on the interception.

“I dropped back and read the quarterback’s eyes, and one of my teammates had the same play; he kinda dropped back too far, like a couple of plays before we had seen on film, and then there it was for me, and I just read on the quarterback’s eyes,” Pierre told the media following Alabama’s 38-point win. 

Pierre’s returned the interception 27 yards for a touchdown, giving the Crimson Tide a 31-7 lead with 9:21 left in the second quarter. This gave Alabama firm control of the game early in the first half.

Pierre finished the game with three tackles, one sack, and an interception returned for a touchdown. After the win, he was asked if he expected to get a pick-six before his first sack of the season. 

 “Definitely not, but I caught it; there it was; it came right to me,” Pierre said. 

Pierre is expected to play a pivotal role for Alabama’s defense this season, with the unit featuring several new faces after the departures of seniors Deontae Lawson, Nikhai Green-Hill, and Justin Jefferson. 

In the season opener, Pierre and the Crimson Tide defense limited East Carolina to just 162 total yards and only two rushing yards, offering an early glimpse of the unit’s potential.

Alabama will be put to the test next Saturday, Sept. 12, when they travel to Lexington to face the Kentucky Wildcats in their SEC season opener.

Micah Nichols covers Alabama baseball, football, and basketball for Tide 100.9. Follow @MicahNichols0 on X for in-game updates, highlights, and more Crimson Tide content.