On Friday, former Tennessee football star James Pearce Jr. got his first in-game reps at the NFL level during the Falcons’ preseason game against the Lions.
Pearce, the No. 26 pick in the first round of the recent 2025 NFL Draft, played 18 snaps in the game. He recorded three quarterback hurries and no tackles in the game. Atlanta would drop the preseason matchup with Detroit 17-10.
According to PFF, Pearce had a solid game, though. He earned a grade of 75.1, the sixth-best mark of the 27 players who registered a defensive snap for the Falcons. In 13 pass rushes, he produced a 65.5 mark. In five run plays, he earned a 68.6 grade.
Pearce played left outside linebacker in his debut, according to the site.
Every James Pearce Jr. snap from his 2025 NFL Preseason debut. pic.twitter.com/Wm72yPY5Eo
— Nick Penticoff (@NickPenticoff) August 9, 2025
More From RTI: Jon Gruden Eyes Return To Coaching, Says ‘I Would Die To Coach In The SEC’
Pearce played three seasons at Tennessee before entering the draft and beginning his pro career. In 2024, as a member of one of the best defensive lines in the country, he managed 38 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. He defended one pass and forced and recovered a fumble, as well. He would be named an All-SEC First-Team member.
As a sophomore, Pearce wreaked havoc. He posted 28 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks. He came up with an interception, which he returned for a touchdown in the Citrus Bowl win against Iowa, and forced a pair of fumbles on the year. He was named to the All-SEC First-Team for his efforts.
As a freshman, Pearce played in all 13 games. He did not miss an outing in his time at UT. He contributed five tackles, two tackles for loss and two sacks on the year. He never lost at home to Alabama or Florida during his three-year tenure as a Vol.
Pearce is from Charlotte, North Carolina, where he starred for Chambers High School. On3 ranked him as the No. 11 overall player in the 2022 class and a five-star prospect.
