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Assessing James Pearce Jr.'s significant impact on Tennessee's defense

IMG_6598by:Nick Kosko•08/13/24•

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Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports

James Pearce Jr. is a significant part of the Tennessee defense, that much is obvious. But he’s bound to be even better, according to Brent Hubbs of VolQuest.

Pearce is considered one of the best pass rushers in college football and a popular selection for the first round of next year’s NFL Draft. Now, it’s time to live up to the hype.

It certainly looks like Pearce has the opportunity.

“Well, I think it’s huge, I mean, I don’t care what level of football you’re at, everybody’s looking for James Pearce,” Hubbs said on the On3 Roundtable. “They’re looking for an edge pass rusher. That’s why those guys are making millions of dollars in the draft and in free agency. That’s why these guys are highly sought after in the NFL world and in recruiting and those types of things. It’s such a need-position.” 

Last season, Pearce finished with 28 total tackles, 18 solo tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, one interception, one pass deflection, two forced fumbles and one defensive touchdown.

“And you know, James had a great year last year,” Hubbs said. “I think he’s built off of that to a degree. I know Rodney Garner said earlier this week that he wants James to b more professional, or a better pro every day. I think James has grown a lot from a maturity standpoint off the field as well as on the field. He’s pushing 250 pounds. I think he’s going to have a big year, and the biggest reason why is not just his raw ability, but he’s got help around him. 

“I mean that they’re almost an embarrassment of riches on the defensive line. I think it’s realistic that they can play somewhere between 12 and 15 guys on a semi to regular basis on the defensive front. They’re going to rotate as well, or more than anybody in the country. That’s certainly going to help James Pearce (and) that’s certainly going to help Tennessee’s defense, overall, out a great deal.”

As a member of the Class of 2022, Pearce was a four-star recruit out of Charlotte (N.C.) Julius L. Chambers, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 3 overall prospect in the state, the No. 16 EDGE in the class and the No. 137 overall prospect in the class.