The 2024 faculty soccer season was the primary 12 months of the 12-team expanded playoffs. The video games in November and December meant greater than ever. Groups like Tennessee, Boise State, and Notre Dame obtained an opportunity to compete with the highest packages within the nation.
Within the first spherical of the CFP, #9 Tennessee Volunteers confronted #8 Ohio State. Tennessee was no match for the Buckeyes, shedding 42-17. After ending 10-3 in 2024, one Tennessee participant is getting ready for the NFL along with his senior season developing. Defensive lineman James Pierce Jr. introduced Wednesday that he can be chosen for the 2025 NFL Draft. Pierce Jr. is likely one of the high defensive gamers within the class.
James Pierce Jr. wears 2025 NFL Draft decal
James Pierce Jr. of the College of Tennessee, one of many high defensive gamers within the NFL Draft, has formally declared for the draft. https://t.co/2YP4HZw3gz
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 16, 2025
Popping out of highschool, James Pierce Jr. was the No. 11 ranked participant nationally within the class of 2022. He was a high scout out of North Carolina. Pierce Jr. acquired 13 Energy 5 provides throughout the nation, however finally selected the Volentiers. The 2022 season was Pierce Jr.’s first season in faculty soccer. He performed in 13 video games with the Voluntaires, recording two sacks and two tackles for loss. Throughout his second 12 months of camp in 2023, Pierce Jr. had a breakout 12 months.
His sacks (10.0) have been essentially the most of any SEC participant in 2023. Pierce Jr. added 15 tackles for loss and an interception. The 2024 season was Pierce’s junior season, and his manufacturing took a slight step again. In 2024, he had sacks (7.5) and 13 tackles for loss. In consecutive seasons, Pierce Jr. earned first-team All-SEC honors. Along with that, he was additionally a semifinalist for the Bednarik, Lombardi and Walter Camp Participant of the Yr award. In keeping with ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., James Pierce is the No. 3 outdoors linebacker prospect in 2025, behind Abdul Carter and Mikel Williams. Let’s wait and see the place Pierce Jr. will get drafted in April.