WR Ricky Pearsall says his goodbye to Gators Nation
The Gators’ leading wide receiver over the past two seasons is ready to take the next step in his football journey.
Ricky Pearsall, who also spent three years at Arizona State, has officially declared for the 2024 NFL Draft.
“I want to take this opportunity to announce that I am deeply proud, blessed and excited to take my talents to the next level and declare for the NFL Draft,” Pearsall announced on social media.
“I will do everything in my power to make the Gator Nation proud while fulfilling my life long dream. Much love to all involved in my journey.”
During the 2023 season, Pearsall reeled in 65 catches for 965 yards and four touchdowns. Those numbers in the catches and yards column are career highs. He was also responsible for a pair of rushing touchdowns.
All in all, Pearsall recorded 98 catches for 1,626 yards and nine touchdowns during his two years at Florida. It was shortly after his third season with the Sun Devils when he announced his plans to head elsewhere.
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As a member of the 2019 class, Pearsall was a 3-star prospect and the 171st-ranked wide receiver in the On3 Industry Ranking. He was also the 1,231 prospect regardless of position.
It’s safe to Pearsall, a native of Tempe, Arizona, outplayed those projections and then some.
“I don’t want to say underrated because he’s pretty highly regarded out there. I know the National Football League feels that way,” Florida head coach Billy Napier said of Pearsall.
“Ricky, in my opinion, is the product of a lot of work. He’s highly skilled. He can win at the line of scrimmage; he can win at the top of the route; he has good awareness; he understands coverage and leverage; he’s run routes.
“I’ve coached some good players. I’ll tell you what I really appreciate about Ricky Pearsall is the consistency and the person who shows up every day. His attitude, his energy, his leadership. He’s a tough dude, and he has values. He has — he’s equipped with some things that allow him to be really consistent as a performer. He’ll be a great pro. He’ll play for a long time.”
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