Skip to Main Content
Next Game
TBA
  • Mercedes-Benz Stadium

SEC Standings

Team Conf Overall
7-1 13-3
6-2 11-3
6-2 10-3
5-3 10-3
5-3 10-3
5-3 9-4
5-3 9-4
5-3 9-4
5-3 8-5
4-4 8-5
3-5 7-6
3-5 7-6
2-6 6-7
2-6 5-7
1-7 4-8
0-8 2-10
Now Playing

Share Video

Link copied!
  • Image thumbnail
    1:39

    Highlights: Dylan Sampson, Dont'e Thornton Jr. and James Pearce Jr. at Tennessee's Pro Day

  • Image thumbnail
    1:31

    James Pearce Jr. reflects on the growth and the main influences on his Tennessee career

  • Image thumbnail
    4:57

    Tennessee DL James Pearce Joins CBS Sports HQ

  • Image thumbnail
    1:30

    Tennessee's James Pearce Jr. motivated to prove he's the best defensive player in the 2025 NFL Draft

  • Image thumbnail
    0:51

    Late Kick: DL James Pearce will make a huge impact on defense for Tennessee

  • Image thumbnail
    1:15

    2025 NFL Draft - Josh Pate's Players to Know: RB Dylan Sampson (Tennessee)

  • Image thumbnail
    2:01

    Tennessee and UCLA swap quarterbacks

  • Image thumbnail
    3:38

    This Just In: QB Joey Aguilar Transfers To Tennessee

  • Image thumbnail
    1:11

    QB Nico Iamaleava transferring to UCLA

  • Image thumbnail
    2:29

    Nico Iamaleava Heads West To UCLA

  • Image thumbnail
    1:57

    Nico Iamaleava to UCLA not a done deal

  • Image thumbnail
    1:27

    Evaluating QB Gio Lopez

  • Image thumbnail
    1:41

    There is still potential in Nico Iamaleava despite the Tennessee fallout

  • Image thumbnail
    1:26

    UCLA Has Present NIL Offer To Nico Iamaleava

  • Image thumbnail
    1:41

    Report: Nico Iamaleava to UCLA?

  • Image thumbnail
    1:39

    NFL Draft RB Rankings: No. 2 Dylan Sampson (Tennessee)

  • Image thumbnail
    1:48

    Transfer Market for Nico Iamaleava after "Do not Contact"

  • Image thumbnail
    2:45

    Andrew Fischer talks with GoVols247 about his return to Ole Miss

  • Image thumbnail
    1:23

    What's next for Nico Iamaleava?

  • Image thumbnail
    1:09

    Why Tennessee was able to say goodbye to Nico Iamaleava so easily

Draft Scouting Report

Rating: 88.00 (Pro Bowl potential)
Pro Comparison: Randy Gregory
Summary

James Pearce Jr. boasts a long, relatively sleek frame with clear potential to add serious bulk, a necessary step for his development. His first-step explosiveness and ability to convert speed to power stand out immediately on film. Despite his leaner build, he sets a surprisingly strong edge, and his bull rush is a legitimate weapon in his pass-rushing repertoire, even without a naturally low center of gravity. He maintains his speed effortlessly after his initial burst, making his outside speed rush his most dangerous tool at this stage. Pearce displays impressive bend, even when absorbing contact around the corner, occasionally flashing borderline elite ability. His awareness to diagnose quarterback scrambles or running back lanes is well above average, and he consistently sheds blockers to pursue the football effectively. Pearce plays with relentless urgency and mixes up his rush moves effectively. In space, he is remarkably comfortable, showing no stiffness. He is flexible, well-balanced, and exhibits excellent change-of-direction ability.

About
  • 2023-24: Two-time first-team All-SEC
  • Career: 71 tackles, 30.0 tackles for loss, 19.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and one interception (returned for a touchdown) in 39 games
Strengths
  • Incredible burst off the snap and bend around the corner
  • Demonstrated counter moves off his initial rush with good regularity
  • Surprising speed-to-power conversion with plus balance
Weaknesses
  • Must add bulk to withstand power from OTs in the NFL
  • Not always the best finisher once he disrupts
  • Some teams won't like his frame because his rushes can be high
Combine Data
  • 40-yard dash: 4.47 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 31 inches
  • Broad jump: 10 feet, 3 inches

Top James Pearce Jr. News

Player Bio

HT/WT: 6-5, 245 lbs
Birthplace: Charlotte, NC
Age: 21
Class: Junior