James Pearce of the Vols is establishing himself as a top defensive player.
Orlando, Florida — Following Tennessee’s Cheez-It Citrus Bowl victory over Iowa, it was obvious who was the best defender on the field.
While teammate Joe Evans recorded an incredible four sacks and Hawkeyes’ Jay Higgins recorded a game-high 16 tackles, James Pearce Jr. of the Volunteers made crucial plays throughout the field. Ultimately, the disruptive and explosive edge rusher caused havoc on Iowa’s offensive line.
After the smoke cleared, Pearce recorded three tackles, one of which was for loss, along with a sack and a forced fumble. But Pearce’s interception of Deacon Hill’s pass at the start of the fourth quarter and subsequent 52-yard return for a touchdown was the game’s most important play.
At that point, the Charlotte native gave Tennessee (9-4) a 28-0 lead, effectively ending the game. Iowa (10-4) was unable to match his relentless drive and unwavering spirit. The Volunteers’ defensive line controlled the game’s flow, and Pearce set the tone early on.
The sophomore was able to move easily around the line of scrimmage and made life difficult for Hill in the pocket. But given that Pearce played against three of the best quarterbacks in the NFL this season—Alabama’s Jalen Milroe, Georgia’s Carson Beck, and Missouri’s Brady Cook—his abilities should not be shocking. He only had to force Hill to eat grass because he was another signal-caller.
“Getting to the quarterback is always a lot of fun, but I have a job to do; I got to beat the man up front and get to the quarterback somehow,” Pearce remarked. “But he (Hill) back there.” “No matter who we play, we always want to play at a really high level and I guess the best defense won because we know we are playing a tough defense.”
Pearce is also no stranger to breaking through backfields. In wins over South Carolina and Virginia, the former four-star prospect recorded two sacks apiece. Additionally, Pearce used the quarterback on turf in games against Texas A&M, Austin Peay, Alabama, and Missouri.
He can shed blocks and make plays because of his natural instincts, flexibility, and low center of gravity. When Pearce scored his first touchdown of the game, Coach Josh Heupel saw it.
Heupel praised his ability to “undercut the route, understand the formation, where the bodies are at, what type of release he is getting, take his eyes, and be athletic enough to go make a play.” “At one point in your career, you might have asked why, but it is for that instant, and nothing looks better than watching a big man like him run down the sidelines.”
Pearce’s outstanding performance was the icing on a season of breakthroughs. He was named to the first team of the SEC for his valor. Pearce is going to be among the best returning defenders in the nation in 2024 after a season in which he recorded 14.5 tackles for loss and placed second in the powerful SEC in sacks.
For now, he will take pleasure in leading the seniors to victory in their last game and be happy to have contributed to consecutive bowl victories. Pearce believes that the Volunteers’ best days are still ahead of them and that he will be the big man on campus. The six-foot-five, 242-pound player is therefore anticipating a demanding off-season.
“Success is vital to the future, as it is to the present day.”
