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Will Von Pearson have a breakout game against Arkansas State?
By Jason Hall
Published:
Von Pearson caught the attention of Vol nation Sunday.
The former JUCO All-American and Mid-Empire Conference MVP caught his first Division I touchdown pass during Tennessee’s 38-7 win over Utah State Sunday. Pearson looks to live up to his lofty first-year expectations set from his four-star JUCO prospect ranking and a stellar preseason.
The hype surrounding Pearson grew even larger as he made ESPN’s Sportscenter Top-10 for an in-practice one-handed catch seen below:
Last week’s game saw quarterback Justin Worley connect with 11 different wide receivers. Among them was Pearson, who ended with 27 yards on three catches. Facing an experienced Arkansas State pass defense, the Vols may try to focus on their top two receivers, giving Marquez North and Pearson more targets.
We really didn’t see enough from either player after Sunday’s game to predict whether they will live up to their preseason hype in 2014. But as the Vols continue through an increasingly tough schedule of games, the focus should shift on the starters, rather than an open audition for the entire offensive depth chart.
The Arkansas State matchup may be the perfect opportunity for Pearson to truly announce his arrival on Rocky Top. With more targets, Pearson is perfectly capable of having a big game against the Red Wolves defense. Though talented, Arkansas State will have its hands full with the 6-foot-3 wide receiver. Cornerbacks Artez Brown (6-foot) and Andrew Tryon (5-foot-10) will have a distinct height disadvantage in jump balls against the lanky Pearson. He also possesses the speed and playmaking ability to make defenders miss, as shown on his first touchdown last weekend.
Pearson has the perfect opportunity to make a statement in his second game with Tennessee. Entering the season with big expectations, expect the former JUCO standout to not only live up to his preseason hype, but also exceed it.
A former freelance journalist from Nashville, Jason covers Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Kentucky
