Florida Gators senior wide receiver Ricky Pearsall has officially declared for the 2024 NFL Draft. He announced the decision on a post from his X account Tuesday.
“I want to take the 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 said in his post.
He transferred to Florida from Arizona State ahead of the 2022 season and was Florida’s best receiver the past two seasons.
Florida Gators wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (1) – Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun
In 2022, Pearsall finished the season catching 33 passes for 661 yards and five touchdowns whilst also rushing for 113 yards and a touchdown, including a 76-yard rushing touchdown against Eastern Washington.(Sports Reference)
His best game for the Gators in 2022 came against Florida State where he recorded five catches for 148 yards and two touchdowns. Both touchdowns scored were 52 yards and 43 yards.
Florida Gators wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (1) – Maddie Washburn/Florida Athletics
In 2023, Pearsall caught 65 passes for 965 yards and four touchdowns and rushed for 62 yards and two touchdowns.(Sports Reference) Pearsall led the Gators in receiving in eight of 12 games, with his season-high coming against South Carolina, where he had his best game of the year.
He caught 10 passes for 166 yards and the go-ahead touchdown with 47 seconds remaining to secure the win for the Gators over the Gamecocks.
Florida Gators wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (1) – James Gilbert/Getty Images
Pearsall’s best catch of the 2023 season (pictured above) was arguably the best catch in football this season at either the college or pro level. Pearsall leapt up with one hand, secured a pass up the seam from Florida quarterback Graham Mertz, got hit by two Charlotte defenders, and still held onto the ball.
Pearsall played primarily out of the slot for the Gators the past two seasons, but he did play outside more in 2023. He will test very well and will certainly get an invite to the NFL Combine.
In November, he officially accepted an invitation to participate in the Reese’s Senior Bowl, which will get him even more attention from NFL scouts and general managers.
Pearsall is one of the most impactful transfer portal additions in recent history for the Gators and he almost wasn’t even added to the team back in 2022. He was a very late addition to the roster, but instantly became one of the best skill players on offense, especially at receiver.
Florida Gators wide receiver Eugene Wilson III (3) – Lorenzo Vasquez/Florida Athletics
With Pearsall departing along with receiver Caleb Douglas who is entering the transfer portal, Florida’s wide receiver room will need to rely once again on soon to be sophomore Eugene Wilson III, should he not also enter the transfer portal.
Wilson III was one of Florida’s most dynamic playmakers on offense this season and lived up to every bit of his preseason hype being a five-star prospect from Tampa. Wilson III finished the season with a team-high six touchdowns and was second in receptions behind Pearsall with 61 for 538 yards.
Against Arkansas, Wilson III was named Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Week, after he recorded eight catches for 90 yards and two touchdowns in the Gators loss against the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Florida has some high school wide receiver prospects committed to their 2024 recruiting class, but it would not be surprising to see the Gators add a receiver or two from the transfer portal, which has seen some talented names enter since it officially opened on Monday.
Pearsall left Florida fans with one final message in his official NFL Draft declaration.
“I will do everything in my power to make the Gator Nation proud while fulfilling my lifelong dream. Much love to all involved in my journey.”
