Pam Pack outside linebacker E.J. Peartree is the complete package — a natural athlete, proven leader and dedicated academic. He’s the prototype college football coaches around the country are searching for and on Wednesday, National Signing Day, Peartree made his decision to play at the next level official, signing his letter of intent to play football at Division II Winston-Salem State University.

Peartree joins a Rams program that finished 9-2 last season with a CIAA Conference Southern Division title, but went on to lose in the conference championship game to Virginia State. The Washington senior will also suit up for a front seven that ranked No. 4 in the country in total defense.

“I chose Winston-Salem state because they’re a winning program with good academics,” Peartree said. “They’re really looking forward to pushing me to the next level and I just see myself fitting into their system.

“I can bring speed off the edge, I can cover, I can be a good leader as a freshman and can drive a lot of offensive linemen off the ball with my speed and my strength. I think I bring a good pass rush to Winston-Salem State.”

For the No. 2-ranked defense in Class 2-A, Peartree had a monster senior season at linebacker, recording a team-high 9.5 sacks, 111 total tackles, two recovered fumbles and an interception. He was an integral part to a rock solid Pam Pack defense that carried the team to its first state championship appearance since 1956. At the press conference Wednesday morning, head coach Sport Sawyer had nothing but positive words for one of his senior leaders.

“He was very dedicated, had a lot of leadership qualities, played hard, you could count on him — it was just a pleasure coaching him,” he said. “He helped lead this team for the last few seasons on varsity. He did very well for us and we’re very proud of him.”

Peartree finishes his high school career with 177 tackles and 13.5 sacks in 31 games. He credits his high school with helping him grow as a person and keeping him on track.

“A lot of people (at Washington) pushed me to a great point in life,” he said. “When I was going through different situations and trials, my coaches stayed on me and really pushed me. Not just that, but this relationship will never end with my brothers … I love the principals because they discipline us and make sure the football players are on point. I will never forget Washington High School and I owe them everything for getting to this point.”

 

An optimist at heart, Peartree and the Pam Pack fell two-points shy of a state championship this December, but he’s staying true to form and keeping expectations high for his freshman season at Winston-Salem State.

“My goal is to win a championship. I don’t want to take anything less. I’m going there to make a statement and win a championship for my team,” Peartree said.