JP Peace follows heart to wear Orange

Knoxville West junior linebacker JP Peace has dreamed of wearing the orange and white since he was a small boy. The son of former Vol Robert Peace and grandson of longtime Tennessee head coach and athletic director Phillip Fulmer committed to Josh Heupel and company on Monday. Before his announcement, he caught up with Volquest to dive into his decision.

“Throughout this whole process, I knew my family would have a big impact, but at the end of the day I didn’t go to Tennessee because of my family,” Peace said. “I went because of the relationships I built with the coaches and because I think that is the best place for me.”

So what made the decision easy for him now as his recruitment was starting to pick up steam?

“The coaches,” Peace said. “Coach Inge and I built a special relationship and I’m excited to go work with him. He is just a great coach and I know he is going to be there for me even if we aren’t on the football field. That was important to me.”

Peace will just be a junior this fall but he is right around the corner, which means he could be pivotal in helping recruiting weekends.

“What I feel like I’m bringing to Tennessee is a hard worker,” Peace said. “I play with a very high motor and I’m very versatile and I feel like I can help Tennessee in any way I can.”

He has really grown into his frame. He has went from outside linebacker to inside linebacker since the end of last season.

“For me my explosiveness and my experience on the field has continued to improve,” Peace said. “Every single rep, every single game. I’m excited to continue to build on my weaknesses and grow on my biggest improvements.

“I can tell a difference recently in these last six months. It’s all come together.”

Peace said he grew up around other Vol legacy standouts Cooper Witten and Kenny Simon. He is already in their ear about playing on Rocky Top.

With such a strong family bond in Orange, the thought of putting the jersey on is pretty neat for Peace.

“It’s going to be awesome,” Peace said. “To me I think my favorite is the all orange. It feels like the original one. Just the classic.”