Despite being one of the highest-rated recruits in the Tennessee Volunteers’ 2014 class, Von Pearson’s low-key arrival at Rocky Top provides head coach Butch Jones with a secret weapon and X-factor for the upcoming fall season.
Pearson’s journey to becoming a Vol was unconventional. At Denbigh High School in Newport News, Virginia, he excelled as a wide receiver, recording 50 catches for 880 yards and seven touchdowns during his senior year.
However, after graduating in 2010, academic issues seemed to end Pearson’s football career. He ended up working at a McDonald’s in his hometown until a friend suggested he enroll at Feather River College in Quincy River, California, according to Jason Yellin of UTSports.com.
After two stellar junior college seasons, Tennessee’s coaching staff discovered Pearson’s impressive highlight reel and extended his first scholarship offer.
Pearson accepted and immediately shut down his recruitment, despite interest from other schools.
Since enrolling at Tennessee in January 2014 and participating in spring practices, Pearson has emerged as one of the top wide receivers on the roster. The Knoxville News Sentinel’s Evan Woodbery ranks Pearson as the No. 3 wide receiver on his early depth chart, ahead of 5-star freshman Josh Malone and just behind redshirt sophomore Jason Croom.
Pearson’s talent isn’t the only aspect that impresses the coaches; his relentless work ethic and positive attitude are equally noteworthy. Tennessee wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni, who traveled cross-country to recruit the 4-star JUCO player, praises Pearson’s coachability and eagerness to please.
