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Tennessee Football: 3 way-too-early breakout candidates for 2022

By Kathryn Rose

Tennessee wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (11) scores a touchdown past Purdue safety Cam Allen (10) at the 2021 Music City Bowl NCAA college football game at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn. on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021.Kns Tennessee Purdue
Tennessee wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (11) scores a touchdown past Purdue safety Cam Allen (10) at the 2021 Music City Bowl NCAA college football game at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn. on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021.Kns Tennessee Purdue /
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Tennessee football helmets on top of a counter
Sep 1, 2018; Charlotte, NC, USA; A Tennessee Volunteers helmet is seen pregame before the game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports /

2. James Pearce, EDGE

Perhaps it is a bit too early to consider James Pearce as a candidate for breakout status. After all, he’s a true freshman, and not especially vaunted as a prospect. Plus, at 220 pounds, he’s too lanky to be a bang-on, right away SEC contributor.

And then, one glance at his game film melts all those doubts, like butter in a frying pan.

As a pass rusher, he has monster potential. He gets to the quarterback so fast and looks so natural doing it. He’s also very adept at chasing runs down out of the backfield, or hitting the mesh point before the play can even get going.

While most recruiting services have him as a four-star prospect, On3 went further, bumping him up to a five-star rating. He could end up being the best edge rusher in the entire class.

With Tennessee’s departures at defensive end, Pearce will get a chance to shine early. Especially on third downs against the pass, Pearce will be on the field and make an impact in 2022.

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