Syracuse Priority Target Confidential: DE/OLB James Pearce

An in-depth look at the player and recruitment of James Pearce
Syracuse Priority Target Confidential: DE/OLB James Pearce
Syracuse Priority Target Confidential: DE/OLB James Pearce /

James Pearce is a talented defensive athlete prospect with a plethora of power five offers. In the latest edition of our Syracuse Priority Target Confidential series, we take a look a detailed look at Pearce as a player and where his recruitment currently stands. 

Player: James Pearce

Position: Defensive End/Outside Linebacker

School: Zebulon B. Vance High School (Charlotte, NC)

Height/Weight: 6-5, 230 pounds

Other Notable Offers: Arizona State, Florida State, Louisville, Michigan State, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma

Official Visits Scheduled: None

Scouting Report: Pearce is a twitchy, explosive athlete. He has a great frame that will allow him to add weight within a collegiate strength and conditioning program without losing his burst off the edge. Because of his ability to rush the passer, he could translate to a defensive end or outside linebacker at the next level. Similar to Steve Linton in terms of athletic ability and versatility. Has the potential to make an impact right away. 

Recruitment: Pearce's recruitment has blown up, and he now holds offers from the ACC, Big-10, Big-12, Pac-12 and SEC. Syracuse was his first power five offer in March, and the rest have come over the following two months. Syracuse is pitching the potential for immediate playing time, having freshmen All-Americans in the past including at his position (Stefon Thompson). That will keep Syracuse in the mix. They are working on getting him campus in June for an official, but nothing has been scheduled yet. This is expected to be a very competitive recruitment. 

Why Pearce is Important: You cannot have enough elite athletes on your roster. Someone who is 6-5 with burst, a quick first step and playmaking ability is hard to find. If Syracuse can land a player with that offer list and that ability, it makes a big impact on the team and on the rest of the recruiting class. 


Published
Mike McAllister
MIKE MCALLISTER

Title: Publisher All Syracuse Education: Roberts Wesleyan College Location: Syracuse, New York Expertise: Syracuse basketball, football and recruiting.  EXPERIENCE Mike McAllister has been covering Syracuse basketball, football and recruiting for more than a decade. Mike's career started with his own free blog as a way to vent following sporting events. Shortly thereafter, a network of basketball sites called Coast 2 Coast Hoops asked him to run their Syracuse site. That site was called Nation of Orange, and Mike quickly established it as a go-to for Syracuse fans.  After running Nation of Orange for several months, a position with the Syracuse site on the Scout network became available. After one year as the recruiting expert with Cuse Nation, he was named the publisher. Mike oversaw the transition from Scout to 247Sports, and ran the site on that network for years.  Presented with the opportunity to join one of the biggest names in the sports journalism industry, Sports Illustrated, Mike jumped at the chance. All Syracuse was started from scratch by Mike and the Fan Nation team. It has now become a staple for Orange fans of various sports.  Mike has broken news on recruiting, Syracuse basketball and football team information and has established himself as the top recruiting inside in the market. He has appeared on local radio shows, television broadcasts, national radio shows and much more. Mr. McAllister has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting and Information Management from Roberts Wesleyan College.