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Pearsall, Marshall getting closer to playing against Utah

Untitled designby:Nick de la Torre•08/24/22•

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Florida Gators receiver Ricky Pearsall
Photo courtesy of UF Communications (Gabby Whisler)

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — It’s been hard to miss Ricky Pearsall and Jason Marshall at practice the last two weeks. The pair stuck out like a sore thumb in their black jerseys as they nursed sore foot and hamstring injuries.

As the Florida Gators wrapped up fall camp on Tuesday, the pair of starters were back in regular practice jerseys and full participants. A sight for sore eyes.

“I think we’re very pleased with what we saw yesterday,” Napier said of the pair. “I think both those guys, we anticipate them kinda making incremental progress in terms of the volume of work that they’re taking on each day going forward. So, I feel really good about both those guys.” 

Pearsall suffered a bone bruise in his foot during one of the Gators’ first practices in full pads. He missed most of fall camp but was able to return in a limited capacity at the end of last week. Tuesday, however, was the first time he was fully cleared for contact. The junior didn’t show any signs of being limited by

Marshall was also back as a full participant on Tuesday. Marshall played in all 13 games this season, starting at cornerback in six contests. Marshall appears to be the next in a long line of great defensive backs at Florida. He has locked down one of the starting jobs, so getting him back was paramount for co-defensive coordinator Patrick Toney and the Gators.

Gators’ offense needs Pearsall

Pearsall brings an element to Florida’s offense that it sorely lacked. He’s a receiver who can make defenders miss from the slot. A player you can throw screens, slants and drags to and watch him work.

Pearsall ranked ninth in the PAC-12 last year with 12.1 yards per catch and 48 catches. He played in all 13 games for Arizona State and led the team all receptions, yards (580) and touchdowns (four).

“He’s a great player. Experienced, played a lot of ball. So he’s been just great to have in the room. He’s got a lot of wisdom and skill,” receiver Trent Whittemore said of Pearsall. “He’s been willing to share that, and I’ve just enjoyed being around him all summer, watching him run routes, like I said, kind of picking each other’s brain on, you know, the finer things of playing receiver. So he definitely gives us a spark and I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do as well.”

Florida fans have been eagerly waiting to see what Pearsall can do. After Tuesday’s practice, it looks like they won’t have to wait longer than September 3.

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