ESPN has unveiled its “way-too-early” All-American teams for the upcoming 2024 college football season, and Tennessee is poised for a significant presence in the inaugural season of the 12-team College Football Playoff era. Notably, two Tennessee players secured spots on the prestigious list.
Among them is standout edge rusher James Pearce Jr., who earned the first-team defensive end position. Pearce’s exceptional performance during a breakout season garnered attention, with an AFC West scout even suggesting he could be the first defensive player chosen in the 2024 NFL Draft.
His remarkable display in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl against the Iowa Hawkeyes, featuring an interception returned for a touchdown and a crucial strip-sack, highlighted his impact. Tying for the SEC sacks lead last season, Pearce, a 6-5, 242-pound force off the edge, is considered one of the top NFL draft prospects, ranking fifth nationally in total pressures last season, according to Pro Football Focus.
In addition to Pearce, Tennessee center Cooper Mays secured a spot on the second team, trailing Alabama’s Parker Brailsford, who previously transferred from Washington. Mays, a pivotal component of Tennessee’s offensive line for several years, demonstrated his importance when his absence at the start of the season was noticeable. Heading into the upcoming season, Mays is expected to lead a talented offensive line that will support redshirt freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava.
