'22 NC DE James Pearce (Tennessee signee)

academic update yesterday regarding Pearce qualifying academically...
That has been the case for a while now, as we mentioned several times back before Early Signing Day. But as you would imagine based on the fact that Tennessee signed him, the Vols are pretty optimistic that Pearce will be OK. He needs to have a good spring semester, but that’s not all that uncommon for signees going into their final semester.

There’s a plan in place for him. He just needs to execute it.
-Callahan
 
The Charlotte, N.C. native was one of the big wins for the Tennessee on Signing Day back in December. Most coaching staffs feared the four-star would wait until the February period to sign, but Tennessee was able to lock down the pass-rusher instead as his stock continued to rise.

“I’m really looking forward to having fun and getting the job done – whooping butt and taking names,” the signee told Volquest. “I’ve just got to stay locked in until then and finish strong.”

The Rivals Top-160 athlete spent the past weekend with members of the coaching staff – talking football, life and pretty much whatever.

Pearce was able to watch some film and discuss his role in Tim Banks’ defense, the expectations that come with it and what a day in the life of a student-athlete looks like inside the Volunteer program.

The pass-rusher was also in attendance for the Volunteers basketball win over LSU Saturday night.

“Oh, it was great. We were just chilling and hanging out,” the soon-to-be Vol said. “We went to the basketball game and it was really cool. It was a great atmosphere like always.

“It felt good. It felt like it always feels being here. I liked it.”

Pearce led Chambers High School to a state championship appearance this past fall. He’s the ninth-rated player at his position in the class and the fifth-highest graded prospect from the state of North Carolina. The four-star boasts a Rivals Rating of 5.9 with over 20 offers.

The pass-rusher has versatility. He plays well in space and has great moves off the line of scrimmage. Pearce joins Joshua Josephs as ‘LEOs’ in the signing class and is looking forward to learning from the likes of Byron Young, Tyler Baron and Roman Harrison next season.

“The coaching staff’s message to me was that we were going to have fun and for me to take care of what I need to take care of,” Pearce concluded. “I’m just glad I have the opportunity here. It’ll be a great time at the next level.

“My relationship with the Tennessee staff got better and better over time. It was a good time this weekend.”

The Vols, of course, beat out Georgia, Kentucky and South Carolina to land the signature of Pearce back in December. Josh Heupel used his in-home visit with the signee this past week.

Pearce will not be in early enrollee. Rather, the defensive play-maker plans to be in Knoxville over the summer.
_VQ
 
Now a 5 star on On3, the number 11 player in the class. Holy crap

Twitched-up EDGE prospect who has an argument as the most gifted pass rusher in the 2022 cycle. Pairs a long, lean build with top notch first-step quickness. Screams off the edge both as a standing rusher and from a three-point stance. Shows curvilinear movement with his ability to bend around the edge. Has elite closing speed and is a high-level finisher in the backfield. Physical and embraces contact. Has a strong anchor relative to his current size (6-foot-5, 220 pounds) and converts speed to power as a pass rusher. Highly, highly disruptive in multiple ways. Disrupts passing lanes on a regular basis in addition to forcing fumbles, coming down with interceptions and scoring several defensive touchdowns. Plays with an outstanding effort level on a play-to-play basis. Tracks down plays in backside pursuit. Runs like a wide receiver, which should not be a surprise as he began his career as an offensive skill player. Has put together a phenomenal final two seasons at North Carolina’s top high school program, totaling over 30 sacks as a junior and senior. — Charles Power, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings
 

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