James Pearce turns in latest dominant performance during special season

James Pearce is having a dream sophomore season for Tennessee.

He’s recorded 13 tackles and 6 sacks and 9 tackles for loss so far, emerging as a dominant force on Tennessee’s defensive line. On Saturday against Texas A&M, Pearce’s dominant season continued. His 6 sacks are second in the SEC and his 9 tackles for loss are third this season.

Pearce recorded 5 quarterback hurries, 2 tackles for loss and a sack against the Aggies. After the game against Texas A&M, Pearce is now the highest rated defensive lineman in the SEC by PFF with a rating of 91.6.

James Pearce of @Vol_Football vs. A&M
‣ 5 QB hurries
‣ 2 TFLs
‣ 1 sack
‣ currently the highest graded DL in SEC this season by @PFF_College (91.6)
‣ 6 sacks (2nd in SEC) & 9 TFLs (3rd in SEC) in 2023 pic.twitter.com/KsMUmEnk68

— Bill Martin (@Bill_Martin) October 15, 2023

Pearce and the rest of Tennessee’s defensive line made life miserable for Max Johnson on Saturday. The Aggies’ quarterback was pressured on 25 of 39 dropbacks against the Vols. According to PFF, Texas A&M hasn’t faced a pressure rate that high since it started tracking the stat in 2014. Tennessee also recorded 11 quarterback hits on the night.

My goodness.

Max Johnson was pressured on 25 of 39 (64.1%) dropbacks vs. Tennessee, per PFF. A&M has never had a pressure rate that high since PFF started tracking that stat in 2014.

Aggie OL surrendered 11 QB hits as well. They are fortunate that Johnson is still healthy.

— Carter Karels (@CarterKarels) October 15, 2023

The strong play of Tennessee’s defensive line led the Vols to a win in a slow offensive night. If Tennessee’s offense can regain its footing, it will be a recipe for some big wins.

And the Vols are looking for one next week as they head to Tuscaloosa to take on Alabama.