BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Southeastern Conference office announced Monday that a pair of Tennessee players received weekly honors after the Vols’ 20-13 triumph over Texas A&M. Sophomore edge rusher James Pearce Jr. was tabbed SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week for the second time in as many games, while return specialist Dee Williams was named SEC Special Teams Player of the Week.
Showcasing his ability as one of the nation’s best edge rushers, Pearce provided pressure all day in the victory over the Aggies. The Charlotte, North Carolina, native registered three tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack and a dominant career-high five quarterback hurries as A&M managed only 54 rushing yards. He was the highest graded defensive player in the game at 92.2 according to PFF.
This season, Pearce is the SEC’s highest graded defensive end at 91.6 and now ranks second in the SEC in sacks (6.0) and third in tackles for loss (9.0).
Williams provided the spark with the clutch play of the game in Tennessee’s win over Texas A&M. With 8:53 remaining in the third quarter and the Vols trailing 10-7, the senior from Forsyth, Georgia, downed a UT punt at the 1-yard line. After a three-and-out by the Aggies, Williams then fielded a punt and weaved his way 39 yards for a touchdown to give Tennessee the lead for good. It was his second career punt return touchdown and first since a 73-yard burst in last year’s Vanderbilt game.
Williams is the fourth Vol with multiple career punt return touchdowns since 2000, joining Marquez Callaway (3), Cameron Sutton (3) and Antonio Wardlow (2). Williams increased his season punt return average to 19.0, which is second in the FBS, while his career average of 18.8 is third-best in Vol annals and best at UT since 1951.
Pearce earns SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week for the second time this season after being recognized for his efforts against South Carolina on Oct. 2, while Williams claims his first career weekly honor from the league office. During the Josh Heupel era (2021-present), Tennessee has compiled 27 SEC weekly awards — including six Defensive Lineman of the Week and four Special Teams Player of the Week honors.
The No. 17/15 Volunteers hit the road this weekend for The Third Saturday In October, visiting No. 11/8 Alabama on Saturday, Oct. 21 for a 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff on CBS.
SEC Weekly Awards – Week 7
Offensive Player of the Week
Graham Mertz, QB, Florida
Defensive Player of the Week
Darius Robinson, DE, Missouri
Co-Special Teams Players of the Week
Trey Smack, PK, Florida
Dee Williams, RS, Tennessee
Offensive Lineman of the Week
JC Latham, RT, Alabama
Co-Defensive Linemen of the Week
James Pearce Jr., DE, Tennessee
Landon Jackson, DE, Arkansas
Freshman of the Week
Peyton Woodring, PK, Georgia