Von Pearson Update: Receiver practices for first time since injury
By Jason Hall
Published:
When Butch Jones said injured wide receiver Von Pearson was “ahead of schedule” yesterday, he failed to specify just how far. But today, Tennessee fans have a better idea of the former JUCO All-American’s return.
Pearson practiced with the team for the first time Tuesday since suffering a high ankle sprain in Week 2 against Arkansas State. The junior went down in the second quarter of Tennessee’s 34-19 win after recording a team-best 71 yards on four catches. Jones said Pearson only “practiced a little bit,” but could potentially see playing time Saturday against Florida.
Related: Von Pearson is ‘Ahead of schedule,’ Josh Smith still recovering
“Von Pearson actually practiced a little bit today,” Jones said. “He got in some conditioning, did some different things. We’ll know a little bit more (about) his availability for the game come Saturday. Still don’t know yet. But it was great to have him out there.”
Pearson started in Tennessee first two games, recording 98 yards and a touchdown on seven receptions. A former four-star JUCO prospect, Pearson was a Mid-Empire Conference Offensive MVP Award winner and recorded a national JUCO best 93 receptions for 1,601 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2013.
Pearson had more than 200 receiving yards in a game on five occasions, including single-game totals of 311, 237, 235, 222 and 201. In his absence, No. 1 option Marquez North has seen double coverage in recent weeks and has struggled to produce the big numbers many predicted entering the season.
A former freelance journalist from Nashville, Jason covers Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Kentucky
