Tennessee Vols edge rushers James Pearce and Joshua Josephs arrived at UT a couple of years ago with similar hype.
Both players were four-star recruits. Pearce was rated as the No. 18 edge rusher in the nation and Josephs was rated as the No. 20 edge rusher in the nation.
Both players were modestly productive as true freshmen in 2022. Pearce totaled 2.0 sacks and five tackles while Josephs recorded 1.0 sack and 12 tackles.
Pearce enjoyed a breakout season as a sophomore, totaling 9.5 sacks, which led to some early NFL draft hype. Josephs, meanwhile, became somewhat of an afterthought after totaling 3.0 sacks as a sophomore.
Josephs, however, is entering the 2024 season with a renewed energy. He's having a great fall camp and he looks like he's poised to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks while playing opposite Pearce.
"Josh is closer now to what he was when he first got here where last year he sort of took a dip," said Vols defensive line coach Rodney Garner on Wednesday. "Sort of, I guess, maybe went into that sophomore low where now he’s coming back energized, more focused, more attention to detail. I think he’s put on some really good weight. I think he’s improved his play strength. I think he’s improved his power and his explosiveness. So I’m excited about this Josh Josephs that’s here right now. I really am."
Pearce admitted to reporters on Wednesday that he felt some jealously over Pearce's success last season, which led to his play on the field stalling out a bit.
"Honestly, I feel like last year there was a little, like, jealousy in me," said Josephs. "I could see my boy James, he was turning up. It just felt like I wasn't playing like I wanted to play. So, instead of worrying about the next man, you always gotta worry about yourself. Focus on yourself. Strive for yourself. Not to impress other people."
It definitely seems like Josephs is ready to make a huge leap as a junior. And it's understandable that he had those feelings last year while watching Pearce's career take off. Everyone develops at their own pace. And there's nothing wrong with Joseph's trajectory being different than Pearce's (patience isn't much of a thing in sports these days).
The fact that Josephs recognized why he wasn't at his best last season should be encouraging for the Volunteers.
Tennessee needs Josephs to step up and be a force when other teams give extra attention to Pearce. If Josephs can take advantage of the double teams that Pearce will likely receive, it'll be a huge boost to everyone on the defensive side of the ball for Tennessee.
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