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Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce headed to the NFL

On3 imageby:Brent Hubbs•about 9 hours•

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Tennessee Volunteers EDGE James Pearce readies to rush the quarterback - Matt Ray/Volquest On3
Tennessee Volunteers EDGE James Pearce readies to rush the quarterback - Matt Ray/Volquest On3

As expected, Tennessee defensive end James Pearce has declared for the NFL draft.

The Charlotte, North Carolina native did very little media in his time at Tennessee so the idea that he didn’t make a big deal out of turning pro is not a surprise. Wednesday night just ahead of the deadline, Pearce, who sent in his paperwork earlier in the day, posted his message on his Instagram page.

While Pearce was never comfortable or even interested in being in front of a microphone, he certainly created news on the field. 

In three seasons as a Vol, Pearce recored 29.5 TFL’s and 19.5 sacks and a pick six against Iowa in the bowl game. In 2023, Pearce burst on the scene with 14.5 TFL’s and 10 sacks. In 2024, Peace had 13 TFL’s and 7.5 sacks, and a huge forced fumble and recovery against Florida. 

The edge rusher was also credited with 43 quarterback hurries in 2024 by Pro Football Focus. 

While quiet with the media, Pearce made it clear his affinity for Tennessee on the G.O.A.T Farm Show podcast last month. 

“There ain’t no place like Tennessee. There’s no better place to be in my opinion,” Pearce said.

“The aura on campus is different when you have all teams winning. That’s what I’m saying there’s no better place to be. Everyone is winning. No one has their head down and everyone is feeling off each other. Everyone is tight.”

Pearce started the year ranked as the top draft prospect by some services. That stock fell some throughout the season as Pearce didn’t put up big early season numbers. 

Still Pearce is expected to be the first Vol selected in the draft and is projected as a first round pick by many draft analysis heading into the combine season. If he is taken in the first round, he will join Darnell Wright as the second Vol selected in the first round in the Josh Heupel era.

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