There is no question who the starter will be at Tennessee’s LEO position, which is an upright, linebacker-like defender just off the line of scrimmage that is intent on wreaking havoc on the opposing defense.
James Pearce Jr. is as good as it gets when it comes to bringing pressure off the edge. However, Pearce can play either side, which means there’s a big-time opportunity for another star to rise alongside Pearce, who has been projected by some as the No. 1 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The NFL sees the importance of a great pass rusher. So does Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel.
“Guys that can rush the passer and can affect the game on the first level are extremely important,” Heupel said. “That’s your edge guy, and it’s also your interior. The depth that we’ve been able to build with the athletic traits that we’re looking for, this is the deepest we’ve been at that position.
“We have great length, athleticism and ability to bend the corner. Those guys are multiple. They can play on the first level, they can drop in some of your zone pressure packages. They’re really intelligent guys that can handle the volume of what they have to do within our scheme.”
Joshua Josephs would certainly be on the list of contributors that may be overlooked a tad when Pearce’s star tends to shine so bright. However, there’s no question his play can be radiant. In a limited role, Josephs had 4 1/2 tackles for a loss, three sacks and three quarterback hurries.
“He’s done a great job in the weight room,” Heupel said of Josephs. “Nutrition has done a great job with him, and that’s him taking the lead on those things. You look at his frame now compared to where he was a year ago, dramatically different. His confidence and understanding of what we’re doing, allowing his athletic traits to take over (and) continued fundamental development, really excited about the offseason that he’s had.”
So what has changed for the 6-foot-3, 245-pound DL from Georgia who continued to improve throughout the 2023 season?
“For him, just what he’s doing every minute of the day,” Heupel said. “How he’s taking care of his body, the sleep that he is getting, who he is outside of the building and when he’s here, how intentional and focused he is on just becoming a master of his craft.”
Pearce may be the best Vol on Tennessee’s football team. However, it’s good to know that options are available if things go awry.
