There’s no question that former Tennessee EDGE rusher James Pearce Jr. was an enigma last year. The former Vol was a storyline because of his lack of a spectacular stat line.
Despite being touted as potentially the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft before the 2024 season, Pearce had just 13 tackles for a loss, including 7 1/2 sacks. He was good, but was he great? Offense certainly had to adjust to his ability to bring pressure from his defensive end position, but now he’s off to the NFL, and the Vols must replace him.
Pearce’s departure is troublesome, but not impossible, to overcome. The Vols have talent and experience at defensive end, led by senior Joshua Josephs, who could be on the verge of a breakout season.
“I think Joshua Josephs has done a really good job so far this spring trying to be a leader and take his game to another level,” Garner said.
Senior Dominic Bailey figures to be the other starting defensive end. He may not be the most talented defensive lineman on the roster, but he can absolutely show younger players the way.
“It’s good having a guy like Dominic Bailey who’s been through wars, paid his dues (and) be able to take those guys and bring them on,” Garner said.
Bailey won’t be alone. Sophomore Tyree Weathersby has the ability to be a contributor this season, but he’s not there yet.
“We need for him to make tremendous strides,” Garner said, “…Weathersby is probably one of the more heavy-handed kids that we have in the program. He puts his hands on people. He can move people. He’ll shock them and move them, so we’re seeing him gain confidence and continue to improve his play.
“The program that he came from they didn’t win a game, so a lot of it has been really new for him, just learning some of the nuances and plays, the fundamentals and technique and all of those things.”
Then there’s Jordan Ross. A five-star recruit in 2024, Ross showed incredible raw athleticism. His ceiling is through the roof, and he could actually end up being better than Pearce.
While it’s hard to pinpoint just how difficult it will be to replace Pearce, the Vols seem to have the parts to do so, especially considering his lackluster stat line.
