Profile Overview
- College: Florida
- Height: 6’1″
- Weight: 189 lbs
- Arm: 30 7/8
- Hands: 9 1/4
- 40 Time: 4.41
- 10 Yard Split: 1.57
- Vertical Jump: 42.00″
- Age: 24
- Year: Senior
- Draft Projection: 2nd/3rd Round
College Career
| Year | School | Class | G | Rec | Yds | Avg | TD | Att | Yds | Avg | TD |
| 2019 | Arizona State | FR | 13 | 7 | 128 | 18.3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2020 | Arizona State | SO | 4 | 6 | 86 | 14.3 | 1 | 3 | 33 | 11 | 1 |
| 2021 | Arizona State | JR | 13 | 48 | 580 | 12.1 | 4 | 6 | 44 | 7.3 | 1 |
| 2022 | Florida | SR | 13 | 33 | 661 | 20 | 5 | 8 | 113 | 14.1 | 1 |
| 2023 | Florida | SR | 12 | 65 | 965 | 14.8 | 4 | 3 | 62 | 20.7 | 2 |
Ricky Pearsall played his high school ball at Corona Del Sol in Tempe, Arizona. He was a three-star recruit who committed to playing college ball at Arizona State. He would have minimal production over those first two seasons there, with 2020 being a shortened season due to COVID-19.
In 2021, Pearsall would have his first decent season in college, leading Arizona State with receptions, yards, and touchdowns. Pearsall debated leaving Arizona State, and it made even more sense once his friend, Jayden Daniels, left Arizona State for LSU. There were rumors that Pearsall left due to the NIL money; his decision was based on being able to show off his talents at the highest level to get ready for the NFL. Pearsall would transfer to Florida for the 2022 season.
In 2022, as a member of the Florida Gators, Pearsall would continue to have success in his first season. He would lead the team in yards and touchdowns, playing with Anthony Richardson. He contributed to 25% of Richardson’s passing yards in 2022. The 2023 season would be Pearsall’s biggest season, as he finished with 65 receptions for 965 yards. He would lead Florida in receptions and yardage during his final season. In these two seasons in Florida, his quarterback’s rating when targeting Pearsall was 112.0.
Strengths
Pearsall has some fantastic traits as a receiver prospect. He shows off his long speed on his vertical routes and posts. He has experience as an older prospect and has a high IQ for the position. He can gain yards after the catch when he has the space. Pearsall was used at times in gadget play situations. He has over 250 rushing yards in his five years in college. He could be an overall weapon for an offense. Pearsall finds ways to get open, and he has a reliable pair of hands that NFL quarterbacks will trust.
Creative Route Runner
One of Pearsall’s best traits is his ability as a route runner. He is very crafty and knows how to run his routes well. He uses his footwork and hands to manipulate defenders, covering them to get separation in his routes. Pearsall isn’t quick to separate independently, but his ability to run routes perfectly makes him an interesting prospect. He understands how to fool defenders in different coverages to get open plays during his routes. An NFL team will appreciate a receiver who can run routes while finding ways to get open.
Ball Skills
The last of Pearsall’s strengths is his ball skills. While the video above doesn’t show everything, it shows a glimpse of some crazy types of catches he can make. He is willing and comfortable adjusting on the fly when the ball is thrown his way. Pearsall will even put his body on the line to make some catches by laying out for the ball. He has even been able to track the ball on deep routes over the shoulder to make the play. NFL teams want prospects who can think quickly and fast to catch footballs going their way.
Weaknesses
Pearsall doesn’t show off a ton of bursts from the LOS on film. He is better at building up to his speed than off the bat. This can be similar to his explosiveness as well. He has speed but doesn’t show off the explosiveness to make plays after the catch. Pearsall play strength is something to question at the NFL level. He seems to struggle with press coverage and isn’t efficient after that. He can be pressed off his routes and doesn’t have the speed to gain separation around that time.
Pearsall struggles with contested catch situations and catches played physically against. His age is also a concern as a prospect. He will be 24 years old at the season of the 2024 season. His career in the NFL could be short, especially since I don’t view him as an elite prospect in this NFL class.
Dynasty Value/Draft Stock/Prediction
Pearsall is going to be an interesting prospect coming into the NFL. His strengths will give him potential capital in the NFL Draft. Pearsall has had one top-30 visit with the Pittsburgh Steelers so far. Based on the needs of receivers and talent, Pearsall can be drafted in the round two/three range of the NFL draft. Even in a recent Mel Kiper mock draft, he has him landing the second round. I prefer him as a better third-round pick.
Pearsall has the potential to land in some interesting spots at the next level. I could see teams like the Steelers, Broncos, Cardinals, or 49ers. Pearsall has the experience to contribute right away at the NFL level. If he lands with a team like the Steelers, he can start day one. I don’t expect him to shock the world in dynasty, but as a potential slot starter in the right system one day. He would likely be a late-round three rookie pick in drafts.
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