On a day that’s already witnessed Tennessee securing two big-time targets on National Signing Day, the Vols hauled in another with pass-rusher James Pearce. The four-star has been a longtime priority target for Josh Heupel and staff as the Charlotte, N.C. native ventured west to Knoxville on several occasions this fall.

Pearce is tabbed as the nation’s 164th-best prospect and owns a Rivals Rating of 5.9. The 6-foot-5, 220 pounder is pegged ninth at his position and is considered to be North Carolina’s fifth-best prospect in the class.

The fear was Pearce holding off until February to sign. If that were to be the case, the interest level would skyrocket. But wanting to put it away, Tennessee won out over South Carolina and others on Day 1 of the Early Signing Period.

Here's a detailed look at what a James Pearce commitment means for Tennessee.

"Pearce is a really great edge-rushing prospect that has a lot to learn about the finer points of the game, but you can't teach his physical ability. He's about 6-foot-5 and more than 220 pounds. He's very explosive out of his stance. He's very strong as well, even though he may not look it. He does a great job of getting his hands on the ball carrier and getting them to the ground. But, he's really a pass-rushing specialist.

He is really good at disengaging offensive linemen once they try to get out of their stance and get a push on him. He gets into the backfield and creates ciaos. I'm excited to see what the future looks like for him once he's in a college strength & conditioning program and has a chance to physically develop and get some quality coaching under his belt.

A great job by Tennessee getting this signature in the early signing period when it looked like he as going to hold off and wait to sign in February."

-- Adam Friedman, Rivals National Recruiting Analyst / Rankings Director

Pearce is a dynamic player who fits perfectly into what Tim Banks and Mike Ekeler want in a LEO. He’s long and shows good bend off the edge. He’s got a high-motor and chases down ball carriers from the backside. He’s strong with his bullrush and able to split double-teams with ease.

The SEC will be a whole different challenge, naturally, so Pearce will need to fine tune his skills before he’s game-ready. Though, that doesn’t mean he can’t get some early run in this defense. Pearce is good out of a two-point stance and can play in space when needed. He finishes, running through with the tackle and always keeps his feet moving.

It gives Tennessee more ammunition in the front-seven and a guy who can rush the passer off the edge. I’ve said plenty of times that Tennessee needs more bodies at the LEO spot. This signing class addresses that need as rushing the passer is the most important thing for a defense to be successful, top-to-bottom.

Pearce links up with Joshua Josephs as LEOs in this class. Kalib Perry may also see some time at the position, or even Elijah Herring on occasion. Vol fans should grin picturing the possibilities of a Tyre West and Pearce combination on one side of the Tennessee defensive line.

Though Tennessee missed out on Gabriel Jacas, the addition of Pearce shows this staff closing on an absolute priority. The staff has been after the Chambers standout all fall and there is still a whole lot of untapped potential in the athlete.