Week one of the college football season is almost upon us. A sport rich with tradition, rivalries and insane moments is back with a few twists. New teams in new conferences and a new playoff system are starting this year. However, there still lies something at the core of college football, the players. Guys playing their hearts out for their teams at every position at every level. There’s many talented players coming out of this year who are looking towards being a future NFL player. One of which is an edge rusher from Tennessee by the name of James Pearce Jr. Who is he? What are his strengths? What needs improvement? How good is he? Here is an overview of the 20-year-old prospect.
Background:
According to 247 Sports, James Pearce went to high school at Julius L. Chambers in Charlotte, North Carolina. Listed at six-foot-five, 243 pounds, Pearce is an athletic specimen. He runs a 4.49 forty-yard dash which is exceptional for his position. Ranking in the 99th percentile according to NFL Draft Buzz. Pearce was a four-star who committed to Tennessee to play in what many call the hardest conference in college football. Pearce wouldn’t see much action in 2022, only getting two sacks and a few tackles for loss, according to 247 Sports, before exploding in 2023. According to ESPN, during the year he had 9.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, a pick-six, 14.5 tackles for loss, and 28 total tackles. He was a freak who could truly do everything a coach would want from the edge position. In an article written by ESPN, he is ranked as the number one prospect in all of college football heading into this year, but what exactly makes him so great?
Strengths:
- Pearce is an exceptional athlete. As mentioned above his forty time is off the charts for an edge rusher and he fully utilizes that skillset.
- His first step is elite. He uses it to blow right past the offensive lineman to make a play.
- He can be used no matter what scheme a team runs. As a traditional edge or an interior lineman.
- His pass-rushing move set is diverse and fluent. Able to get around in all kinds of ways.
Weaknesses:
- Doesn’t set the edge properly on some run plays
- Concerns about his strength at the next level.
- His hands are a work in progress.
Projection:
If Pearce continues the trajectory he currently is on and has another impressive year, he should be a lock for a top-five pick come next April. His pass-rushing skill set makes him a force to be reckoned with and a problem for offenses to scheme for. Tennessee has a star in the making who should be able to touch up on any of his weaknesses for the upcoming year. Some aspects of his game remind me of Chandler Jones with how he moves and uses his plus-athleticism to his advantage. If that is who he ultimately becomes, quarterbacks are going to fear him.