James Pearce

12/13/21

James Pearce Scouting Summary

Charles Power•

Twitched-up EDGE prospect who has an argument as the most gifted pass rusher in the 2022 cycle. Pairs a long, lean build with top notch first-step quickness. Screams off the edge both as a standing rusher and from a three-point stance. Shows curvilinear movement with his ability to bend around the edge. Has elite closing speed and is a high-level finisher in the backfield. Physical and embraces contact. Has a strong anchor relative to his current size (6-foot-5, 220 pounds) and converts speed to power as a pass rusher. Highly, highly disruptive in multiple ways. Disrupts passing lanes on a regular basis in addition to forcing fumbles, coming down with interceptions and scoring several defensive touchdowns. Plays with an outstanding effort level on a play-to-play basis. Tracks down plays in backside pursuit. Runs like a wide receiver, which should not be a surprise as he began his career as an offensive skill player. Has put together a phenomenal final two seasons at North Carolina's top high school program, totaling over 30 sacks as a junior and senior.

12/03/21

James Pearce dominates in semifinal win

Charles Power•

James Pearce had an utterly dominant performance in Chambers' comeback win over Hough High School in the state semifinals. Pearce was constantly disruptive rushing off the edge. We saw Pearce bat down multiple passes in addition to three sacks and several more hurries. Pearce took over the game late in the fourth quarter. With the game tied at 21 with under two minutes remaining, Pearce broke through the line to bat down a pass North Carolina 2023 quarterback commit Tad Hudson on a critical 3rd and 4. Chambers would get the ball and take the lead. A few minutes later, Pearce sealed the win. He screamed off the edge, swatted the ball out of Hudson's hand, scooped it up and ran in for a game-sealing score. The performances was likely the best single-game showing I've seen from a defensive prospect during the 2021 season.

11/24/21

James Pearce putting together a strong senior season

Charles Power•

James Pearce has continued to ascend in our eyes over the course of the his senior season. We’ve taken in several Chambers games and Pearce constantly makes impact plays. At 6-foot-5, 220 pounds, he’s cat-quick off the ball and plays with a high effort level. Pearce also has some inherent strength and chippy physicality for a longer, leaner EDGE. He’s already showing some speed-to-power capabilities in addition to his first step. In his team’s most recent playoff game, we saw Pearce tally several explosive tackles for loss in addition to a few batted passes.

11/22/21

James Pearce makes big jump in updated On300

Gerry Hamilton•

The 6-foot-5 EDGE prospect is one of the more undervalued prospects in the 2022 cycle. Not by On3, however. The explosive edge rusher moves up nearly 70 spots to No. 56 overall. His ability to win with initial quickness and a long stride is elite at the position. He flashes the ability to bend, remain balanced taking on contact and turn the corner. He closes in the blink of an eye on quarterbacks and ball carriers. South Carolina is working to hold charges by Georgia, Tennessee and Florida.

8/01/21

James Pearce debuts inside initial On300

Charles Power•

Pearce is a long, athletic edge rusher who seemingly came out of nowhere this spring. That would make sense, as the 6-foot-5, 220-pounder is relatively new to football. Pearce had a big season, helping his Charlotte Zebulon B. Vance team to a state title, tallying 24 tackles for loss and 11 sacks along the way.