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Tennessee's James Pearce, Dee Williams reel in SEC weekly honors

On3 imageby:Eric Cain•10/16/23•

_Cainer

Dee Williams Tennessee Football
(Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK) Tennessee defensive back Dee Williams (3) celebrates before his run is called back, during a game between Tennessee and Missouri in Neyland Stadium, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022.

Tennessee defensive end James Pearce and special teams specialist Dee Williams have been named players of the week by the Southeastern Conference for their play in the Vols 20-13 win over Texas A&M. 

Williams – the Special Teams Player of the Week for the SEC – flipped Saturday’s game giving the Vols all the momentum when he downed Jackson Ross’ punt at the one yard line then four plays later returned a punt 39 yards to the house giving the Vols their first lead of the day. 

“My eyes were on the returner and he kind of stunned me a little bit thinking he was going to catch it. I heard ball, ball from one of my teammates,” Williams said. “I saw the ball pop up in the air and I made a play on it.”

As for the return, Williams said it was all about the opportunity to make a play. 

“We sent a rush, so they just have to get it out quicker. With the flight of the ball coming at me pretty fast, I thought, why not take a chance on it,” Williams offered following the win. 

Williams leads the SEC in punt returns averaging 19 yards a return this season. For his Vol career, Williams is averaging 18.8 yards a return. 

Pearce continued his strong sophomore campaign Saturday against the Aggies with another quarterback sack, two tackles for loss and three stops overall. The Charlotte, N.C. native was tagged for a career-high five quarterback pressured by the official stats, but was credited with seven by Pro Football Focus with an ‘elite’ grade of 92.2 for the week. According to the publication, Pearce had a 33 percent pass rush win rate against Texas A&M.

It’s the second time in as many games that Pearce has reeled in the defensive lineman of the week honor from the Southeastern Conference as he currently ranks second in the league with six quarterback sacks.  

The Vols return to action Saturday in Tuscaloosa to kickoff a two-game road swing first with the Crimson Tide of Alabama for the latest rendition of the Third Saturday in October.

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