With the advent of the 2024 college football season upon us, College Football Network has released its preseason All-American list, with one Tennessee Volunteers player being recognized on the list. Which athlete was recognized for their abilities as the 2024 season embarks? Let’s give it a look!
Which Tennessee Players Earned CFN All-American Honors?
The Tennessee Volunteers will look to build on a 9-4 season in 2023, during which they finished third in the East division. Under head coach Josh Heupel, who enters his fourth year, the Volunteers have shown flashes of becoming a contender in the conference, and his overall record at Tennessee stands at 27-12.
The Volunteers will return 11 starters, six on offense and five on defense. Perhaps the most important replacement will be at the quarterback position, where Joe Milton will depart and make way for Nico Iamaleavea to take over as signal-caller. The lone player named to the All-American team was a returning starter from the defensive side of the ball.
While Tennessee’s list only contains one player, that player happens to be James Pearce Jr., one of the most talented prospects in college football. Pearce collected ALL the awards that he was eligible for to make a clean sweep in the SEC. The Vols standout was also recognized nationally for multiple honors.
Pearce was named national preseason Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Defensive Lineman of the Year, and EDGE Defender of the Year and seemingly by default, came in on the First-Team All-American list as well.
CFN Executive Director Cam Mellor had the following to say about the standout from Knoxville and the lone player from Tennessee selected as an All-American honoree.
Player of the Year: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
You’ve been living under a rock if you haven’t heard how disruptive and dangerous James Pearce Jr. is for the Tennessee defense.
At 6’5″, 243 pounds, Pearce packs a punch with his size and frame, but it’s his strength-to-speed combination that is truly awe-inspiring.
At the drop of a hat, Pearce can be a power rusher or a speed rusher, routinely flipping the script on his intended blockers to get to the quarterback. His array of pass-rush moves are uncanny and he understands his length and power, as well as how to use it to his advantage.
When it comes down to it, there may not be a more influential player in all of college football this season than James Pearce.
Full List of Tennessee Players Earning CFN All-American Honors
- James Pearce Jr., EDGE (Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Defensive Lineman of the Year, EDGE Defender of the Year, First-Team All-American)
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