On Thursday, 247Sports revealed their top 101 college football players at the end of the 2023 season and a Tennessee Vols sophomore landed among their top 50 players.
Vols edge rusher James Pearce, a former four-star recruit, came in at No. 48 on their list of top 101 players.
From 247Sports: With speed and surprising power at a spindly 6-foot-5, 240 pounds, Pearce was a menace coming off the edge as a true sophomore this season. He made 8.5 sacks, including multiple reverse pancakes, overpowering opposing offensive tackles. Pearce added 13 TFLs. He really dominated at home with the crowd noise and has a bright future.
Pearce was a bright spot for the Vols during an up-and-down season. The Charlotte, NC native was a game-changer for Tennessee's defense in 2023, often commanding extra attention from offensive linemen which freed up other Vols defenders.
Tennessee fans will likely only get to enjoy Pearce for one more season. If he has another season like he did in 2023 (or if he continues to improve, which is the expectation), Pearce is in line to be a first round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
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