a list of the Tennessee players suspended for this season
James Pearce Jr. of Tennessee football is the top returner on Pro Football Focus’s list of the top ten edge rushers. Despite his short two-year tenure at Rocky Top, he has already had an impact on Tennessee’s defensive line.
With 28 tackles, 10 sacks, two forced fumbles, and a pick-six against Iowa in the Citrus Bowl, the rising junior made significant progress in 2023. Considerably impressive statistics for a sophomore edge rusher. Pearce will probably have yet another outstanding year in 2024 and significantly affect the Vols’ advantage.
“Pearce became one of the most fearsome pass rushers in college football this past season,” says Chadwick. “The sophomore’s 92.4 pass-rush grade and 21.3% pressure rate placed him third in the nation among edge defenders. Based on PFF’s wins above average rating, Pearce was the fourth-most valued Power Five edge defender at the end of the season.”Chadwick even thinks Pearce would be the first edge rusher selected if he were available for the 2024 NFL Draft. He will also be the first edge rusher selected in the NFL Draft, whether he chooses to declare for it following his junior or senior year. Chadwick even suggests Pearce as the top overall choice.Pearce has the ability to alter the Vols’ strategy. He will be a seasoned leader on Tennessee’s defense as he begins his third year there. He’ll be vying for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and the Chuck Bednarik Award, which go to the finest defensive player in the country. If he advances further in his junior season, he might also be named to the first team of the All-American team.
