Ricky Pearsall returning to Florida: Star receiver to play senior season with Gators after mulling options

Football

0

Image Credit: Hannah White, UAA

Faced with two similar choices in as many offseasons, wide receiver Ricky Pearsall chose the Florida Gators for the second time on Saturday. The star wide receiver, who initially transfered from Arizona State ahead of the 2022 campaign, has decided to remain with Florida for his senior season.

“I’m back,” Pearsall wrote as part of an Instagram Reel announcing his decision.

After catching 33 passes for 661 yards and five touchdowns primarily out of the slot last season, Pearsall has chosen to stick with the Gators rather than enter the 2023 NFL Draft or seek a new destination via the transfer portal. This despite him being invited to the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine.

The decision was surely a difficult one for Pearsall, who also took eight carries for 113 yards and another touchdown in 2022, ending the season as the Florida’s second-highest graded offensive playmaker, according to Pro Football Focus. Two of his best games came when needed most as he gained 103 yards and a score at Tennessee before taking off for 148 yards and two scores at Florida State.

Given his professional aspirations, the combine invite and the Gators’ rocky situation at quarterback, he would not have been blamed for jumping to the NFL or choosing to play elsewhere. In fact, the initial expectation was that he would participate in the draft process.

Instead, Pearsall will look to help continue the anticipated turnaround at Florida in Year 2 under head coach Billy Napier as a key returning piece on an offense that will benefit from an experienced, high-achieving playmaker.

Playing in the 2023 season will extinguish his collegiate eligibility as he was granted an additional year amid the COVID-19 pandemic.