Florida junior wide receiver Ricky Pearsall announced in a Twitter post that he’ll be returning to Florida for the 2023 season instead of declaring for the NFL Draft.
The Chandler, Arizona, product started his collegiate career at Arizona State. Pearsall played every game for the Sun Devils during his three years there.
He broke out in his third season after holding a reserve role for two years. Pearsall caught 48 passes for 580 yards and four touchdowns to lead ASU’s wide receiver room.
He entered the transfer portal following his breakout third year and signed with Florida and new head coach Billy Napier. Pearsall set new career highs for receiving yards and touchdowns in his first year with the Gators.
The junior led the team with 661 receiving yards and five touchdowns. He became redshirt sophomore quarterback Anthony Richardson’s main target. The former Sun Devil also became a weapon for Florida on the ground, rushing for 113 yards and a touchdown.
Florida lost three receivers from its roster this offseason. Redshirt junior Justin Shorter declared for the NFL Draft in December. Redshirt sophomore Trent Whittemore and redshirt freshman Daejon Reynolds entered the transfer portal.
The Gators signed three wide receivers in the 2023 recruiting class. Aidan Mizell — the No. 94 ranked player in the 247Sports composite rankings — and Andy Jean enrolled early at Florida. Eugene Wilson III — the No. 112 ranked player — will join the program in the Summer.
Contact Topher Adams at tadams@alligator.org. Follow him on Twitter @Topher_Adams.
Topher Adams is a fourth-year communications major and in his fourth semester with the Alligator. He previously covered football, baseball and women's basketball. He also enjoys professional lacrosse and Major League Soccer.
