Tennessee defensive lineman James Pearce Jr. was named Pro Football Focus’ top returning edge defender in 2024.
“Pearce became one of the most fearsome pass rushers in college football this past season,” Max Chadwick said. “The sophomore’s 21.3 percent pressure rate ranked third among all edge defenders in the country, as did his 92.4 pass-rush grade. Pearce ended the season as the fourth-most-valuable Power Five edge defender, according to PFF’s wins above average metric.”
Pearce Jr. recorded 28 tackles, 14.5 for a loss, 10 sacks, one interception, one touchdown, one pass deflection and two forced fumbles in 2023.
He is projected as the No. 1 overall selection in the 2025 NFL draft by Touchdown Wire.
Just *some* of the freakshow plays James Pearce Jr. made as a sophomore.
EDGE1 in CFB.
EDGE1 in the 2025 NFL Draft.
EDGE1 in the 2024 NFL Draft if he was eligible.
Hell, he may even go 1st overall next year in what looks like a weaker QB class.pic.twitter.com/4k7ms6pBgg
— Max Chadwick (@MaxChadwickCFB) March 13, 2024