Tennessee Vols edge rusher James Pearce makes strong statement about himself and shouts out Hendon Hooker at NFL draft combine
Tennessee Vols edge rusher James Pearce, a potential first round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft later this spring, has something to prove. Pearce told reporters on Wednesday at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis that he wants to show people that he's the best defensive player in the draft. "I do want to show […]
Tennessee Vols edge rusher James Pearce, a potential first round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft later this spring, has something to prove.
Pearce told reporters on Wednesday at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis that he wants to show people that he's the best defensive player in the draft.
"I do want to show people who the best defensive player is in this draft," said Pearce. "I want to continue to put that out there."
"On the football field, I don't like when people try to play me as anything less than I am, [which is] a great player," added Pearce.
Pearce sounded confident on Wednesday, but he also made sure to point out that showing up and proving that he's a great player is what really matters. The Charlotte native wasn't known as much of a talker during his time at Tennessee. Instead, he let his play speak for itself. That's why it's notable that Pearce took some time on Wednesday to express confidence in himself as an elite talent.
For now, Pearce is being viewed as a player who will be selected in latter half of the first round of the draft. A great on-field workout at the combine and positive interviews with teams, however, could boost Pearce's draft stock to the top half of the first round (he might be the best pure pass rusher in the draft).
Pearce was also asked on Wednesday about who had the biggest influence on him during his time at Tennessee. The talented edge rusher pointed out former Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker, who is also from North Carolina, as a teammate who greatly influenced him.
"We can say Hendo (Hooker)," said Pearce. "We can go to Coach Chop (Levorn Harbin), Coach G (Rodney Garner), Coach (Tim) Banks."
Pearce also pointed out Vols pass rushers Joshua Josephs and Jordan Ross as a couple of players that can help Tennessee accomplish the program's goal of winning a national championship in 2025.
