June 7, 2005
Philadelphia, Pa. -
To generate preseason excitement, The Sports Network has started to preview the best of Division I-AA football for 2005 by breaking down each position. Illinois State running back Pierre Rembert, a transfer from Michigan, became part of that excitement when he was named the "Transfer of Impact," as the nation's top projected transfer at running back.
"Pierre is a big, muscular, tough running back," head coach Denver Johnson said. "We were obviously were aware of him coming out of high school and followed his career at Michigan. When it didn't work out there and he was looking for a change, we were certainly happy to get him.
"I think he is going to be a workhorse, tough, `get-behind-your-pads-type' running back that should really fit in well with our philosophy of running the football between the tackles. I think he is going to be a really good player for us."
Rembert, a junior, joined the Redbirds in January 2005 and participated with the `Birds in spring camp. Prior to joining ISU, Rembert rushed for 135 yards on 29 carries over two seasons with the Wolverines. He also ran for three touchdowns, which all came in the 2003 season. Before redshirting during the 2002 campaign, Rembert was a four-year letterwinner at Cudahy High School, in Milwaukee, Wis. During his prep career, he gained 5,203 yards on 696 attempts, while scoring 80 career touchdowns. As a senior, Rembert rushed for 2,188 yards and 29 touchdowns.
The three-time all-conference selection ranked as the No. 32 running back in the country and No. 22 in the Midwest by SuperPrep. He was also rated as the No. 17 running back and given a four-star rating by Rivals100.com.
Rembert and the Redbirds will begin preparation for the 2005 season on August 6, with the opening of fall camp. Illinois State opens the season at Iowa State on September 3.
