Dylan Pieri spent four years leaving a lasting impact on Marion's football and soccer programs. Now, he's taking his talents to Conway. Pieri signed on Thursday as a preferred walk-on with Central Arkansas, where the all-state football specialist will train as a kicker and punter. “I'm overly excited,” said Pieri. “I really don't know how to put it into words right now other than just I'm excited to get there and get started.” Pieri kicked and punted for the Marion football team for four seasons, with the last two ending in the state semifinals. The 2021 6A East Kicker of the Year averaged 48.2 yards per kickoff in his career and 31.8 yards per punt. He booted 148 of 156 extra-point attempts and 27 of 35 field goals, with a school-record 45-yarder in 2020. “Dylan has an impressive baseline of athleticism and he'll continue to improve,” said Marion football coach Lance Clark. “He could have played several other positions for us other than kicker. That's the type of athlete he is.” Pieri's athleticism paid off for Marion last August when he ran a fake punt for a crucial first down to extend a touchdown drive before booming the game-winning field goal as time expired for a 24-21 victory over Wynne. “Dylan was always fully entrusted by his teammates, which is the highest compliment you can give a specialist,” said Clark. “Because of his work ethic, he never sat out conditioning. He's always worked hard in the weight room, and he was always here. Even if his role was limited because we're focused on offense or defense, he was here, and he was always present.” Pieri joins a UCA program that has made three college football championship subdivision tournament appearances since 2016. The Bears earned Southland conference crowns in 2017 and 2019. “I wanted to go to UCA to begin with, and I'm glad I got the opportunity,” said Pieri. “It really worked out perfectly.” “I think he can kick for them right away,” said Clark. “He might be more comfortable kicking right now, but they'll work on the punting too. UCA got a great one. Dylan was excellent for us.” Pieri's football career will extend on the football field, but he passed on opportunities to play college soccer, where he's been a standout for the past four seasons. “I started soccer first, so I'll always love that,” said Pieri. “But as I got into high school and started playing both a lot, it sort of depended on which season we were in as to which one I loved most.”