Florida Football: Four Gators with plenty to prove to close out 2023
![Florida Gators wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (1) makes a one-handed catch for a first down during the first half against the Charlotte 49ers at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, September 23, 2023. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape%2Fcover%2Fsport%2Ff4b90fcf32dd1032674a393704db6edb0dc622f92a32009811f1b1928622a179.jpg "Florida Gators wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (1) makes a one-handed catch for a first down during the first half against the Charlotte 49ers at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, September 23, 2023. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]")
The 2023 season is in the home stretch for Florida football. Sitting at 5-4, the Gators still need one more win to become bowl-eligible. But beyond trying to avoid a losing season for the third straight year, a handful of players also have much to play for as Florida takes on three straight ranked opponents.
The following are five players that need a big finish for 2023, either to help their NFL draft stock or to solidify their position on the depth chart heading into 2024.
Florida Football Keep Grinding: Ricky Pearsall
- Main Motivation – Raise draft stock
One doesn’t have to worry about whether Ricky Pearsall is going to play hard all the way until the end. During his two-year stint as a Gator, Pearsall has gone from an unknown slot option from Arizona State to a viable candidate to be drafted next year.
His production this year as Florida’s top receiver has crept him into the territory on some mock drafts as a Day 3 candidate. Pro Football Focus has him graded out as the 41st-best receiver in the country and 32nd among draft-eligible receivers.
The knock on Pearsall during his time with Florida football is that while he can be explosive, his overall athleticism is just a tick below what the higher-end draft picks will have.
Plays like his Superman catch can help overcome that stigma.