Tennessee DE James Pearce Jr. declares for NFL draft

Field Level Media|published: Thu 16th January, 11:12 2025

Tennessee defensive lineman James Pearce Jr. (27) sacks UTEP quarterback JP Pickles (19) during a college football game between Tennessee and UTEP at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024.

Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. has declared for the 2025 NFL Draft.

Pearce, who made the announcement on social media Wednesday, will forgo his senior season. He projects as a first-round pick in April's draft.

Listed at 6-foot-5 and 243 pounds, Pearce recorded a team-best 7.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss last season. He also had a career-high 38 tackles, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in 2024.

A two-time All-SEC first-team selection, Pearce posted 19.5 sacks, 29.5 tackles for loss and 71 total tackles in three seasons with the Volunteers.

--Field Level Media