Josh Heupel shares excitement for future of James Pearce

Having an elite defender that can play multiple positions can make all the difference in modern college football, and Tennessee might just have found its man in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl against Iowa. That’s EDGE James Pearce.

He was a monster throughout the season but really turned it on in the bowl game against the Hawkeyes.

“James’ got a great football future in front of him,” coach Josh Huepel said. “He’s a great player right now, but really believe he’s got a chance to be extremely special. For him, just continuing to grow in his understanding and football IQ as we continue to move him around and put him in positions to win is going to be extremely important as we go through this offseason.”

James Pearce did perfectly fine with what he was asked to do for the Volunteers in 2023.

He exploded onto the scene, recording 28 tackles, 14.5 tackles for a loss, 10.0 sacks, an interception, two forced fumbles and two passes defended.

His interception came in the Citrus Bowl against Iowa, when Pearce helped break the game open early in the fourth quarter. Tennessee led 21-0, and Pearce helped slammed the door shut on any ideas of a comeback when he jumped in front of a pass and returned it 52 yards for a score, stretching the lead to 28-0.

“He’s dynamic. He’s got multiple moves to affect the quarterback,” Heupel said. “But there’s still growth in some of those fundamentals and can continue to grow in how he defends the run. He’s doing that well, but there’s still some growth there. I say all of that and he’s a dynamic playmaker for us. He’s got a really rare and bright future in front of him.”

If James Pearce continues to develop, watch out. He had an explosive sophomore season, upping his production in just about every single statistical category in a major way.

He’ll return as one of the SEC’s most watched defenders, with potential to turn into a first-round NFL Draft pick with another big year.

Heupel, for one, sure seems to be expecting it.