We continue our closer look at the E7TC MVP’s from the spring event in Lakeland and next up is Lake Gibson’s Chandler Pearce. The 6-foot, 230-pounder is a versatile player along the offensive line for the Braves and was a factor for this award back at Ignite in January alongside some very good competition–so it comes to no one’s surprise on our end that this young man was going to factor for this award when the spring rolled around. Pearce didn’t disappoint and we compare our notes pre-film immediately following the event to post-film and share those with you now–along with the potential impact his development has for Lake Gibson this coming season.

WHAT WAS SAID:
“OL – Chandler Pearce (Lake Gibson) – Class of 2017
Pearce was another one of those prospects that brought a work-rate simply better than everyone else on the day whether it was in individual drills or 1-v-1’s against the defensive lineman. Pearce was a part of an offensive unit that produced nearly 3,000 yards on the season including 2,000+ on the ground in 2015. “A lot of good work and good competition today. I just love coming to these camps because of their energy and their competitiveness.” said Pearce following the event.”

WHAT THE ‘EYE IN THE SKY’ SAID:
Pearce only lost two 1-on-1’s the entire day and deserved very bit of his MVP status. He possessed the proper foot movement and controlled his opponents with his strength once he put his hands on them.

THE IMPACT:
Pearce’s ability to play at either center or tackle make him invaluable either way you look at it–especially this season for the Braves as they transition to a new head coach and see sophomore Kevaris Thomas take over the full-time duties at QB for the graduating Hunter Orem. The Braves like what they see in Thomas, and they have another sophomore–running back Travell Jones–who rushed for 1,218 yards and fourteen touchdowns.

Whether Pearce is calling out the assignments pre-snap or protecting and clearing passing/running lanes for Thomas and Jones–his skill-set projects very nicely to be effective doing any-and-all things needed along the offensive line. The Braves rushed for 2,109 last season and may have that same approach until Thomas gets things poppin’ with his wide receivers giving even more importance to Pearce’s role.