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Eddy Pierre-Louis, shown during the 2024 Armed Forces Bowl, played in all 13 games for Oklahoma last season, starting six at left tackle. ©Julio Cortez
For Tampa native and Oklahoma offensive lineman Eddy Pierre-Louis, this year’s SEC Kickoff just means more.
The former Tampa Catholic High School standout gets the chance this week to represent Oklahoma’s football program for four days of interviews and photoshoots in his hometown. He wore a red pinstripe suit for the occasion, complete with a “Boomer Sooner” lapel pin and a breast pocket full of plastic red flowers.
Given the depth of leadership on Oklahoma’s roster, Pierre-Louis said he was surprised coach Brent Venables chose him to represent the team at the annual preseason media event.
“It’s an emotional moment, because you only pick three guys and we’ve got a lot of good dudes on our team,” Pierre-Louis said. “I’m very blessed to be here and represent my squad, represent my school, represent my city.”
As a senior at Tampa Catholic, Pierre-Louis helped the Crusaders to the Class 2M region semifinals in 2022. A two-way player who had 14 tackles and three sacks on defense, he was ranked as a four-star prospect by Rivals and a three-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN and On3.
He chose Oklahoma over offers from Oregon, Alabama, Miami and UCF.
Once on campus, Pierre-Louis began to adjust to the pressures of SEC football, focusing on developing his footwork, strength and mental focus. He said running back Jovantae Barnes took him under his wing and encouraged him to keep improving.
A redshirt sophomore, Pierre-Louis played in all 13 games for the Sooners last season, making six starts at left tackle and allowing just one sack on 264 pass-blocking snaps.
He has since stepped into his own leadership role, motivating teammates by bringing them with him to the training facility for extra practice. His truck is often the last parked outside afterward.
“He’s a motivator. He loves to play. Loves to compete. Loves to kick butt,” Venables said. “But his juice, his energy, his passion, his love for his teammates, his love for his opportunity really has him stand out there all by himself.”
Though SEC’s new nine-game conference schedule will demand even more from players, Pierre-Louis said he’s up for the challenge. It’s part of what drew him to Oklahoma as a recruit.
“A lot of people go to the NFL from the SEC, and they look at the SEC as the most physical conference,” he said. “We play a lot of good dudes each and every week, and that’s what you really want if you want to get to where you want to be.”
Pierre-Louis is among eight student-athletes with former Florida connections scheduled to represent their schools at the SEC Kickoff. He called it “a dream come true” to be back in Tampa for the event — the first in conference history to be held in the Sunshine State..
He said he ate some of his mom’s home-cooked food and put his feet in the water as soon as he arrived back home. Venables said the team also enjoyed a dinner at Charley’s Steak House, recommendation courtesy of Bucs and former Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Though Pierre-Louis spoke humbly about his growth and leadership, Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer echoed Venables’ praise.
“I’m not surprised he’s here, (because of) the intensity he brings every day, the wisdom, the knowledge. He holds everybody accountable,” Mateer said. “I mean, he looks good in that suit, right? I would bring him, too.”
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