James Pearce
(DE) Chambers HS in Charlotte, NC
6’5” 220
Committed: 12/15/21
4-star average (4-star on Rivals, 3-star on 247Sports & ESPN)
Josh Ward’s Analysis: Landing Pearce is a win for two reasons: he helps as a pass rusher and it means you don’t have to wait until February to learn his decision. Pearce had planned to wait, but his signing shows the buy-in to Tennessee’s staff. Pearce could be a difference maker as a pass rusher.
Eric Cain’s Analysis: We didn’t peg Pearce as a December signing candidate, but he wanted to go ahead and get it over with. That’s just fine with the Volunteers as Tim Banks gained another pass-rusher at a position of need. Perce is explosive and has a high motor. He’s got decent bend off the edge and uses his hands well. Pearce will need a lot of work in the individual periods, but will be a big help for Tennessee’s defense down the line and has a chance to play some right away.
Player Profile: A versatile and focused defensive lineman with a strong frame and a determined attitude … Rated a four-star prospect by 247Sports.com, Rivals.com and On3.com … The top player in the state of North Carolina, and sixth-best edge rusher according to On3.com … Selected to play in the 2021 Carolina Bowl All-Star Game … Named to preseason watch list for 2021 North Carolina Mr. Football … Named to 2021 Preseason All-Observer Team by the Charlotte Observer … Second-team All-State selection by HighSchoolOT.com as a junior in 2020 … Helped lead Chambers High School to four consecutive North Carolina Class 4A State Championship games, including back-to-back state titles in 2019 and 2020 … Turned heads as a senior with 14.5 sacks, 14 TFLs, nine PBUs, three forced fumbles, two safeties and two interceptions … Chose Tennessee over 18 other offers, 13 from Power 5 schools … Coached by Glenwood Ferebee, a former player at Liberty and offensive coordinator at Howard … Twitter is @JamesPearceJr10 … Instagram is @tenn.jamess.
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