Vols WR Pearson Suspect In Alleged Rape Investigation

Von Pearson May Be Dissmissed From The Vols

According to the Knoxville News Sentinel, Vols WR Von Pearson has been named as a suspect in an on-campus rape investigation.

The incident occured around 3-4 a.m. at University Walk apartments.  No criminal charges have been filed at the moment.  

This does not bode well for Pearson considering the fact that All-SEC linebacker A.J. Johnson was suspended from the team in November for the exact same allegations.

If Pearson is indeed suspended from the team, it will leave the Vols drastically thin at receiver. Marquez North and Jason Croom are dealing with injuries that will leave them out of spring camp.  Josh Smith is coming off a season-ending injury.  

The only viable target Tennessee currently has is senior receiver Pig Howard.  The rest of the group - five receivers - have combined for a total of 47 career catches and three touchdowns.

There is good news that five-star recruit Preston Williams will be coming in for the 2015 season.  But he is still a freshman and who knows what he will be able to bring to the table. 

It's another huge hit in what has been a not-so-smooth offseason for the Vols.  They have had to overcome multiple injuries at key positions, coordinator changes and at one point they had to dismiss starting center Coleman Thomas from the team.

Pearson is a smooth route runner who does most of his damage after the catch.  The Vols will have to find a new presence over the middle if he is not able to play this season.

It's devastating news for a player who has worked his butt off to make it into Division I football.