Ricky Pearsall offers message to players considering transfer into SEC

Ahead of the 2022 season, Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier brought in wide receiver Ricky Pearsall as a transfer from Arizona State. He quickly became one of Florida’s best weapons on the offensive side of the ball.

Pearsall represented Florida at SEC Media Days. There, he offered a message to any players who might be considering a transfer into the SEC.

“Just to get ready to play the best of the best,” Ricky Pearsall said. “I mean, that’s the reason why I came here. I wanted to play against the best of the best every single snap. The SEC is that conference to do that. I think that’s the one thing I would tell them.”

Along with the bump up in talent, Pearsall thinks transfers should be prepared for the tradition and history that comes with playing in the SEC.

“Also to get ready for the traditions and histories that lie in the SEC, as well. I think that was a big thing that stood out to me and I was excited for,” Pearsall said.

“Obviously the fans behind it.”

One of the most important transfers coming into the SEC from outside of the conference is Florida quarterback Graham Mertz. The Wisconsin transfer’s ability to transition into the conference is going to have a massive impact on the Gators’ 2023 season.

Last season, Ricky Pearsall was a key piece of the Gators’ offense, snagging 33 passes for five touchdowns while averaging 20 yards per catch. He also had a rushing touchdown on the season. This season, Billy Napier expects Pearsall to grow on that and be one of Florida’s best weapons.

“We’re going to feature these backs. We’re going to feature Ricky Pearsall,” Napier said. “And we’re going to evaluate the other group of skill players that we have and we’ll get the ball to the playmakers.”

Ricky Pearsall on his relationship with Graham Mertz

While speaking to On3’s JD PicKell at SEC Media Days, Ricky Pearsall praised Graham Mertz and spoke about the strong relationship that they have.

“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.”