Coming off of a huge sophomore season, Tennessee Football’s James Pearce Jr. has been named to the Bronco Nagurski Trophy Watch List. The Nagurski Trophy recognizes the top defensive player in the country every year, and Pearce Jr. is one of 75 players featured on the watchlist.
𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 👀@JamesPearceJr10 has been named to the @NagurskiTrophy Watchlist.
📰 » https://t.co/0WRfnhwc33#GBO 🍊 pic.twitter.com/3LDFvqIJf3
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) July 30, 2024
In his sophomore season, the talented EDGE rusher racked up 28 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, two forced fumbles, and one interception, which he returned for a touchdown. This production led him to be on the 2023 All-SEC First Team, and he was also SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week twice due to his performances against Texas A&M and South Carolina.
Following the 2023 season, Pearce was featured in many NFL mock drafts with analysts projecting he will forgo his senior season and be a top draft pick in the 2025 draft. Many see him as the top defensive player in the draft and the potential number one overall pick.
More From RTI: How A Draft Expert Projects James Pearce Jr. Ahead of 2025 Draft
In preparation for the 2024 season, Pearce has been named a preseason All-SEC selection and an All-American First-Team selection. Pearce will have even more opportunity to wreak havoc against opposing offenses as he sees an increase in snaps with the departure of Tyler Baron. Pearce will enter the 2024 season as Tennessee’s top defensive player and a key piece on Tim Banks’ defense.
As one of the best returning defensive players in college football, Pearce should be a serious contender to take home the prestigious award. The finalists will be named on Nov. 20, in his hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina. The winner will be announced on Dec. 9. The full watch list for the Nagurski Trophy can be seen here.
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