Ricky Pearsall, transfer from Arizona State, looks to make mark

When Florida took the field for opening day of training camp on Wednesday, it was the first official day for Ricky Pearsall in a Gators uniform.

Pearsall, a wide receiver, transferred from Arizona State in the off-season.

But because he announced the transfer in May, he missed Florida’s Spring Game.

Ricky Pearsall

Pearsall was a three-star recruit out of Chandler, Arizona and signed with Arizona State.

He spent the past three season in Tempe.

His first two years were very low key. During his freshmen year in 2019 he only had seven catches for 109 yards.

His sophomore year in 2020 was limited due to Covid restrictions in the PAC 12.

Arizona State only played in four games in 2020. He had six catches for 86 yards and caught his first career TD against Arizona.

2021 was his first opportunity for consistent playing time.

He had 48 catches for 580 yards and four touchdowns.

He popped up on national radars and showcased his speed when he had a 65 yard catch and run touchdown against UCLA.

First day of camp

Pearsall enters a wide receiver group that is in need of replenishment.

Florida’s leading receiver from 2021, Jacob Copeland, transferred to Maryland in the off-season.

Kemore Gamble left for UCF.

During the open media portion of training camp on Wednesday, Pearsall made a solid early impression that he will be able to fill the void.

Orlando Sentinel writer Edgar Thompson noted that he was explosive off the line during all of his drills.

Pearsall did have to leave practice to be evaluated after one of his reps, but he did return later in the practice.

Running drills against grass obviously does not translate 100% into running routes and catching passes against SEC level secondaries and there will be an adjustment for Pearsall.

But if day one of camp is any indication, he is in shape and ready to make mark in Gainesville.

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