Western Kentucky sold Markenzy Pierre on the chance to be a centerpiece in its offense for years to come.

The Florida running back liked what he heard and gave his verbal commitment to the Hilltoppers on Friday morning.

Pierce became the sixth member of WKU’s Class of 2017 and the second running back in that class, joining Georgia native Caleb Huntley.

“They showed to me that I was their No. 1 guy and they were willing to build their offense around me,” Pierre told the Daily News on Friday afternoon. Running backs coach Chris Barclay “did a real good job of creating a relationship. I really felt comfortable with Western Kentucky, so that’s why I made the decision to commit.”

Pierre is a 6-foot, 210-pound rising senior at Liberty High School in Kissimmee, Fla. He’s rated a 247Sports Composite three-star prospect ranked No. 1,539 in his class, No. 100 at his position and No. 237 in the state of Florida.

Pierre’s reported FBS offers include Appalachian State, East Carolina, FIU, Georgia State, Kent State, Memphis, Middle Tennessee, UTSA, Utah State and WKU.

Pierre eventually chose the Hilltoppers over East Carolina and FIU, he said.

“They just emphasized that I can be the future All-American running back,” Pierre said. “They were looking toward the future for me.”

Pierre rushed 1,677 yards and 19 touchdowns on 184 carries as a junior in 2015. He also caught 17 passes for 325 yards and four more touchdowns.

“I think I’m a great downhill runner like Adrian Peterson, but I also have the moves and quickness to run down the sideline,” Pierre said. “You can’t sleep on me in the pass game.”

Much of Pierre’s best work came after contact. Numerous clips on Pierre’s online highlight film show the running back breaking tackles near the line of scrimmage and turning those plays into long gains.

“It is my big strength,” Pierre said. “You can’t play running back if you let the first man take you down.”

Pierre will play running back for Barclay, the coach that recruited him. Barclay’s made a recruiting splash in his first year on coach Jeff Brohm’s WKU staff, most recently securing the commitment of highly-touted Class of 2016 defensive end Cecil Stallings.

“He’s a real straightforward and honest man,” Pierre said of Barclay. “He tells me the truth and I really appreciate that. …

“I’m just ready to start something new in a new place and start making history.”

– Follow Daily News sports reporter Brad Stephens on Twitter @Stephens_Brad or visit bgdailynews.com.