As fall camp is rolling across campuses nationwide, the hype for Tennessee EDGE rusher James Pearce Jr. has picked up even more steam.
Pearce was recently named to the 2024 Walter Camp Player of the Year preseason Watch List. The Walter Camp Award is given to the top player in all of college football.
𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 👀@JamesPearceJr10 has been named to the @WalterCampFF Player of Year Watch List.
📰 » https://t.co/drFIRPkt6W#GBO 🍊 pic.twitter.com/wWGAwc0fuM
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) August 5, 2024
Pearce has received waves of preseason attention in recognition of a dominant sophomore campaign, with room to grow in the 2024 season as he looks to lead the Volunteers’ defense to new heights. On top of being named to this Watch List, Pearce was named a Walter Camp Football Foundation Preseason First-Team All-American, and a preseason All-SEC first-teamer. As for other Watch Lists, he was named to the Nagurski Trophy Watch List for the best defensive player in the nation, as well as Bruce Feldman’s ‘Freak List’.
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Being in Contention for the Walter Camp Player of the Year award is an astounding accomplishment for Pearce, and it is one of the most distinguished honors to be received in the preseason.
Pearce is one of 50 players to be named to the Watch List for the Walter Camp Award. Of the 50 players named to the Watch List, only 12 players are from the SEC and only nine players are defensive players. LSU Quarterback Jayden Daniels took home the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award in 2023, and now Pearce looks to keep it in the conference.
In early November, 10 players will be named semi-finalists while the three finalists are announced on Nov. 26th. The winner of the award will be announced live on ESPN’s College Football Awards Show on Dec. 12th. Look for Pearce to stay in the hunt for this prestigious award as he headlines a strong defensive line for the Volunteers.
