Tennessee’s Junior Day Leaves Rising Star JP Peace Fired Up for Future
JP Peace, a standout sophomore linebacker from Knoxville’s West High School, is rapidly emerging as a highly sought-after recruit.
Recently, his recruitment has picked up momentum, with offers from prominent programs such as Georgia State, Florida State, and UAB.
In addition, Peace has visited a number of notable schools, including Clemson, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
On January 25th, Peace attended Tennessee’s second Junior Day of the year, a visit that gave him a deeper insight into the program’s culture and facilities.
Afterward, he shared his experience with Volquest, reflecting on the excitement of the trip.
“It was a great time,” Peace said. “I had the opportunity to check out the new facilities, and everything looked amazing.
I was thrilled to be there, and the way they treated me made the visit even better.”
During the visit, Peace spent a significant amount of time interacting with Tennessee’s coaching staff, particularly with linebackers coach William Inge.
Inge took Peace through the linebacker room and gave him a detailed look at the coaching techniques and plays.
“I spent a lot of time with Coach Inge today. He walked me through the linebacker room, and I really appreciated how he broke down the plays and film with me. He’s an excellent coach with a great personality, and I felt like I connected with him really well.”
Peace also had the chance to engage with Head Coach Josh Heupel, who has been involved in Peace’s recruitment from the very beginning.
The sophomore linebacker values the genuine connection he’s developed with the Vols’ coaching staff.
“Coach Heupel has been there for me from the start of the recruiting process, and I really respect that about him,” Peace said. “He’s an outstanding coach, and I appreciate everything he’s done so far.”
Tennessee holds a special place for JP, as his father, Robert Peace, was a linebacker for the Vols from 2000 to 2004.
His grandfather is the legendary Tennessee Head Coach Phillip Fulmer, who led the team to a National Championship.
Growing up around the Tennessee program, JP has always had a strong connection to the school. However, this visit allowed him to view the program through the lens of a recruit.
“There’s definitely a sense of familiarity with Tennessee, but this visit made me realize how much I’m treated like family here. It feels like home, and that’s something that really stands out to me compared to other places I’ve been,” Peace shared.
As Peace continues to explore his recruitment, he remains focused on what matters most to him in finding the right fit for his future.
“I’m really focused on how I relate to the coaches,” he explained. “It’s important to me to feel a connection with them because that will have the biggest impact on my decision.”
On the field, Peace had a stellar season as a sophomore. He recorded 72.5 total tackles, including 7.5 tackles for loss and 7 sacks.
Additionally, he forced a fumble and picked off a pass, showcasing his all-around ability. Reflecting on his development, Peace is proud of his performance but is determined to continue improving.
“I believe my motor and speed are strengths of mine,” Peace said. “As I keep developing, I know I need to work on tackling through the ball carrier and refining my hand usage. I’m excited to see how much I can grow in the coming years.”
Conclusion
As Peace’s recruitment heats up, it’s clear that Tennessee has made a strong impression on the talented linebacker, who remains focused on building strong relationships with coaches and continuing to improve his game.
