Vols Place Three On All-SEC Teams

The All-SEC teams have been released, and Tennessee had three players earn the prestigious honor. The group was highlighted by sophomore edge rusher James Pearce Jr., who earned first-team honors after totaling 24 tackles and 8.5 sacks. Here were the three that found themselves among the SEC's best.

• James Pearce Jr., EDGE (1st Team)
• Jaylen Wright, RB (2nd Team)
• Cooper Mays, C (2nd Team)

Running back Jaylen Wright was one of the most efficient runners in school history this season. He was their first rusher to go over 1,000 yards since 2015 while averaging 7.4 yards per carry. He was the offense's most consistent and explosive playmaker, opening games against Kentucky and Georgia with long touchdown runs.

Center Cooper Mays missed the first few games of the season, and you could tell. Tennessee's offensive line completely changed for the better when he returned to action, and after he didn't participate in Senior Day activities against Vanderbilt, he could possibly exercise an additional year of eligibility and return to the 2024 team. Having the leader of the offensive line back would be big for quarterback Nico Iamaleava, the presumed 2023 starter.