Arizona State WR transfer Ricky Pearsall says yes to the Florida Gators
Another highly-regarded player in the transfer portal is headed to Gainesville, as wide receiver Ricky Pearsall just announced his commitment to Florida.
Pearsall, who previously attended Arizona State, took an official visit to UF and is now officially off the market.
Auburn and Oregon were additional schools that inquired shortly after the pass catcher entered the portal on April 21; however, his decision ultimately came down to the Gators and Ducks.
During the 2021 season, Pearsall hauled in 48 receptions for 580 yards and four touchdowns. He led the Pac-12 program in all three categories. His best outing came against No. 20 UCLA, as he registered four catches for 132 yards and two touchdowns in a 42-23 victory.
As expected, losing Pearsall to the portal was a major blow to the Sun Devils’ program. He was viewed as a do-it-all threat in Tempe and expected to lead their wide receiver room for the second consecutive season.
“I think he’s far from reaching his peak,” ASU wide receivers coach Bobby Wade said of Pearsall in spring camp. “We think he’s a guy that can handle the multiple snaps, multiple positions. I think he’s a physical player. I think he’s mentally tough. And, you know, we’ll rely on him to make a lot of plays.”
Pearsall was a must get for Keary Colbert
With the addition of Pearsall, the Gators are adding a proven playmaker who will be in line for significant playing time in the fall.
The Gators lost their leading receiver from a year ago in Jacob Copeland, who transferred to Maryland, and returned just three players with starting experience: Justin Shorter, Xzavier Henderson and Trent Whittemore.
Second-team receivers Ja’Quavion Fraziars and Ja’Markis Weston finished the spring on a strong note, but Florida lacks depth behind its top-five wideouts.
“I think we have a group of (receivers) that can play winning football. We need more, does that make sense? But I do think overall we have some guys who can execute and do their job. How many? I think that’s where we’re at and I think that’s a reflection of the entire team,” Napier said of his WR group.
“I think the team has a whole lacks depth. We need more players as a whole that do their job consistently and play winning football. The receiver position is much like every position on the team.”
According to the On3 Consensus Rankings, Pearsall was a three-star prospect in the 2019 class. The Tempe, Arizona native was also the No. 163 wide receiver nationally.
Hawaii, New Mexico State, Idaho, and Air Force were some additional schools that offered in high school.
Stay tuned to Gators Online.
