ESPN unveiled their 2024 “way-too-early” All-American squads. Tennessee fielded two players in the inaugural season of the 12-team College Football Playoff era, and they are predicted to have a successful campaign.
James Pearce Jr., an edge rusher and former first-team defensive end, is the featured player. AFC West scout recently told ESPN’s Matt Miller that he thinks Pearce would be the first defensive player selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. Pearce had a fantastic season for the Vols in a breakout campaign. In the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, he had a fantastic performance against the Iowa Hawkeyes, forcing a fumble on a strip-sack and intercepting a pass to return it for a touchdown.
“Pearce returns for his junior season as one of the league’s top NFL draft prospects, having tied for the SEC sacks lead (10) with Dallas Turner and Nathaniel Watson the previous season. With his incredible burst off the edge, the 6-5, 242-pound Pearce is a nightmare for any tackle to stop. According to Pro Football Focus, he finished the previous season tied for fifth place nationally with 38 total pressures.” – James Pearce Jr. on ESPN.
After Parker Brailsford of Alabama, who transferred from Washington, Tennessee center Cooper Mays made the roster as the number-two player. Mays has long been an important component of Tennessee’s offensive line, and his early-season absences had an impact. Nico Iamaleava, a redshirt freshman quarterback, will have him in charge of a strong team the following season.
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Javontez Spraggins Announces Return To Tennessee
On Tuesday morning, Tennessee received significant news regarding the offensive line. Glen Elarbee, the offensive line coach, will benefit greatly from the return of offensive lineman Javontez Spraggins in 2024. Only a few days have passed since Lance Heard, the offensive tackle for LSU, announced his transfer to the University of Tennessee. Nico Iamaleava, a redshirt freshman quarterback, now has a solid group of offensive linemen at his disposal in Tennessee.
The Tennessee football team is currently in its offseason. After finishing the season, the Vols are concentrating on building their roster for 2023. With all of the most recent NFL Draft announcements and portal entries, Volunteer Country has the fans covered. The portal window is open from January 2 to December 4. Players will have to wait until May after spring practice to access the transfer portal if they do not transfer during that window.
