Ricky Pearsall discusses his relationship with Graham Mertz

Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall has a great relationship with quarterback Graham Mertz, just like every QB-WR combo should have to build chemistry.

But it’s not just on the field for Pearsall and Mertz, it’s off as well. Both players respect each other’s intelligence and are friends outside of worrying about how to defeat the next SEC opponent each week.

Pearsall joined On3’s J.D. PicKell at SEC Media Days to discuss Mertz.

“Yeah, I mean, I love Graham,” Pearsall said. “He’s a really good friend to me. More than just a football player and a teammate. (Graham’s) an extremely experienced player, you know, he’s had a lot of snaps under his belt. He’s extremely smart. That’s one thing that I learned from him too, is he’s an extremely smart guy. He really understands the game, understands coverages really well. And then he also has the arm talent to do it. So I’m really excited to work with him.”

Mertz and Pearsall are both transfer players, although the latter came in last year after three years with Arizona State. In 2022, Pearsall had 33 catches for 661 yards, five touchdowns and 20 yards per catch.

Over the course of his career, Pearsall has 94 catches, 1,455 yards, 10 touchdowns and 15.5 yards per catch.

Mertz came out strong at Wisconsin but didn’t quite live up to his billing. Now in Gainesville, Mertz and Pearsall might be able to make some magic on the field in 2023.

“Yeah, I think there’s definitely a chip on our shoulder,” Pearsall said. “As much as we say that we don’t want to worry about the outside noise. I mean, we still hear it and we still use it as motivation, you know, but I think ultimately just the guys in the locker room is what really matters to us, you know? Wanting to play for one another. But yeah, I think there’s a little extra motivation for us going into next season.”

Mertz played four years at Wisconsin and has 5,405 yards, 38 touchdowns, 26 interceptions and a 59.5% completion percentage.

With Pearsall and Mertz combining this year, as long as Mertz is the starting quarterback, that relationship off the field will definitely translate on the field under the lights.

That’ll be needed as Florida looks to improve upon just six wins during the first year under head coach Billy Napier.