Former Tennessee Vols standout James Pearce reportedly arrested on serious charges

Former Tennessee Vols standout James Pearce was reportedly arrested on serious charges.

Zach Ragan Tennessee Volunteers News Writer
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Brianna Paciorka/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

Former Tennessee Vols standout James Pearce was reportedly arrested on serious charges.

According to WPLG (via Mike Garafolo), Pearce was arrested on charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon (two counts), aggravated stalking, and fleeing/eluding police.

Pearce was arrested after he crashed his car following a police chase.

Pearce, who played at Tennessee from 2022 to 2024, was a first-round selection by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2025 NFL Draft. He totaled 10.5 sacks and 26 tackles as a rookie this past season.

The former Vol fell in the draft reportedly due to character concerns.

Atlanta, however, felt comfortable with taking Pearce following a pre-draft visit.

Pearce was arrested in late 2023 in Knoxville after disobeying police orders during a traffic stop on suspicion of speeding and driving on a suspended license. The charges were dropped a couple of weeks later.

The Charlotte native totaled 19.5 sacks and 71 tackles during his career at Tennessee.