Brent Venables: James Pearce ‘Might Be the Best Guy in the Country on Defense’

Oklahoma Sooners coach says freshman is ‘in a different category, just different’

High praise from the coach for the freshman

Oklahoma Sooners coach Brent Venables had high praise for freshman James Pearce on Wednesday, saying that he “might be the best guy in the country on defense.” “He’s just different,” Venables said. “He’s in a different category, just different.” Pearce, a five-star recruit from Tulsa, Oklahoma, has started all five games at cornerback for the Sooners this season. He has 15 tackles, two interceptions and a fumble recovery. “He’s got a chance to be really special,” Venables said. “He’s got all the tools. He’s got the size, he’s got the speed, he’s got the instincts. He’s just a natural football player.” Pearce is one of several young players who have played a key role for the Sooners this season. Venables said that he is excited about the future of the program with players like Pearce on the roster. “We’ve got a lot of young guys who are playing really well,” Venables said. “I’m really excited about the future of this program with these guys.” The Sooners are 5-0 this season and ranked No. 6 in the country. They will host the Kansas Jayhawks on Saturday.