UT Defensive Star Heads For NFL Draft

When the Tennessee Volunteers return to the gridiron this fall, they will be without one of their defensive stars. Standout linebacker James Pearce announced Wednesday he would be making himself available for the NFL Draft. Pearce has been with UT since 2022, and was a junior this year, therefore he is foregoing his senior year to follow the dream of playing in the National Football League.

Pearce was named the No. 1 player in college football heading into the 2024 season by ESPN. Pearce had another great year at Rocky Top as he received All-SEC First Team honors from coaches and was on the AP’s All SEC second team. Edge Rusher is a need for several NFL teams and Pearce is one of the highest rated going into the draft. He is expected to be selected in the first round. The first round of the NFL Draft will take place April 24 from Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.