A pair of Tennessee football players split SEC weekly honors for their performances in the Vols’ 20-13 victory over Texas A&M last Saturday at Neyland Stadium.
Sophomore edge rusher James Pearce Jr. earned co-Defensive Lineman of the Week honors along with Arkansas’ Landon Jackson. Senior punt returner Dee Williams earned co-Special Teams Player of the Week honors alongside Florida kicker Trey Smack.
Pearce continued his breakout sophomore season against the Aggies, totaling three tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack. But those numbers don’t do Pearce’s performance justice. The sophomore lived in the backfield and made Texas A&M quarterback Max Johnson’s life difficult constantly.
According to PFF, Pearce totaled seven quarterback pressures and had a 33% pass rush win rate.
Tennessee EDGE James Pearce Jr in Week 7:
🔸 92.2 PFF Grade
🔸 7 QB Pressures
🔸 33% Pass Rush Win Rate pic.twitter.com/FIXBruXIKX— PFF College (@PFF_College) October 16, 2023
Jackson was fantastic for Arkansas in the Razorbacks’ loss at Alabama, totaling 11 tackles and 3.5 sacks against the Crimson Tide.
Despite Pearce’s dominance, Williams was Tennessee’s MVP against Texas A&M thanks to two fantastic special teams plays he made in the third quarter.
First, Williams downed a Jackson Ross punt at the one-yard line and after three unsuccessful Texas A&M plays the Vols’ senior gave Tennessee a lead it wouldn’t relinquish with a 39-yard punt return for a touchdown.
Smack made four-of-five field goal attempts in Florida’s win over South Carolina as well as all three extra point attempts. The Florida kicker made field goals from 54, 48 and 44-yards in the comeback win.
Both Pearce and Williams will look to continue their strong seasons this week when Tennessee heads to Tuscaloosa to face rival Alabama on the Third Saturday in October.
