Tennessee Football 2023 Season Preview: DL James Pearce Jr.

One of the headline names from Tennessee’s 2022 recruiting class, James Pearce Jr. saw a limited amount of action a year ago for the Volunteers as a true freshman. Now entering his second year with Tennessee football however, could Pearce now be set for a potential breakout 2023 season?

Tennessee Football 2023 Season Preview: DL James Pearce Jr.

Pearce originally came to Tennessee as a member of the Volunteers 2022 recruiting class, where he was one of the headline names of that group. The defensive lineman was rated as a four-star edge rusher, and attended Julius L. Chambers (NC), where he was one of the top players in the state of North Carolina.

As for last season, Pearce would appear in all 13 games with the Volunteers, but was limited to a reserve role. Pearce would still make an impact however, finishing the year with five tackles, two TFL, and two sacks.

Looking ahead to this fall as well, what might Pearce’s sophomore season look like in Knoxville?

Tennessee DL James Pearce Jr. 2023 Season Prediction: 15 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 2 sacks

When answering the question as to if Pearce is set for a breakout season, the sophomore is likely going to continue seeing more-and-more action in 2023, but there is a likelihood that he is not an immediate starter for the Volunteers to begin the year.

Tennessee has an experienced defensive line unit returning this season, along with having added multiple talented freshmen to the mix as well. Still, Pearce should be a go-to depth option for the Volunteers at-the-least, and the 6-foot-5, 242 pound sophomore should see time as a rotational defensive lineman off the edge this fall.

Overall, expect Pearce to make an impact for the Volunteers in 2023, and to cement himself as one of Tennessee football’s top defensive linemen entering 2024.