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SEC names Tennessee’s James Pearce as Defensive Lineman of the Week

On3 imageby:Eric Cain•10/02/23•

_Cainer

James Pearce
Credit: UT Athletics

Tennessee sophomore James Pearce was tabbed Southeastern Conference Defensive Lineman of the Week following his efforts in the Volunteer win over Spencer Rattler and South Carolina Saturday night at Neyland Stadium.

Pearce officially logged two sacks and one quarterback hurry on the night as Tennessee cruised to the 41-20 win over the Gamecocks. Kamal Hadden’s 28-yard interception returned for a touchdown was sparked by the pressure from Pearce on Spencer rattler, forcing the premature throw on third and long.

Pro Football Focus actually credits Pearce with three sacks on the night with an outstanding nine quarterback pressures. On the season, according to the official stats, the former five-star now has five sacks – leading the squad and one behind Alabama’s Dallas Turner for the league-lead.  

Standing in at 6-foot-5 and 254 pounds, the edge rusher collected a pair of sacks in the season-opening win over Virginia in Nashville on September 2. He followed that up with a sack the following week against Austin Peay and totaled three tackles during the loss at Florida. Thus far on the campaign, Pearce’s five sacks have contributed for a loss of 34 yards.

Pearce is the second Vol to earn SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week accolades this season, joining senior Tyler Baron who was recognized after Tennessee’s season-opening win over Virginia. During the Heupel era (2021-present), Tennessee has compiled 25 SEC weekly awards — including five Defensive Lineman of the Week honors.

“I didn’t see his stats. Just, every time I looked up, I felt like he was affecting the way their quarterback was playing in the pocket,” Tennessee coach Josh Heupel said postgame Saturday night. “Just relentless. Playing with length, fundamentally continuing to get better, grown as a person outside of the game, which has allowed him to quickly accelerate inside of the game. Playing really well right now. His best football is still a long ways out in front of him, too, which is a real compliment. And he’s playing really well right now.” 

Pearce and the Vols have a BYE weekend coming up before returning to Neyland Stadium to host Texas A&M on October 14.

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