The Florida Gators have already lost a ton of talent to the transfer portal and NFL draft, but one of the biggest remaining questions for the team following a Las Vegas Bowl is what the future holds for wide receiver [autotag]Ricky Pearsall[/autotag].
The NFL draft is calling, but Pearsall could return for his final year of eligibility if he thinks he can boost his draft stock. Pro Football Focus gave Pearsall the highest marks of any receiver on the team this season. He also ranks fourth in the SEC at publishing time.
With Justin Shorter NFL-bound, Florida could use Pearsall’s return to help guide the incoming freshman class, but the decision is entirely up to him. Pearsall didn’t go too deep into his thought process after the Las Vegas Bowl, but it sounds like he’s still making a decision.
“There’s a lot of aspects that go into that,” Pearsall said. “I’m still thinking about it and I’m being patient with it. I love being here and that’s a really important aspect for me and my decision. I love coach and all my teammates, so I’m proud of these guys.”
Pearsall said he was proud of quarterback [autotag]Jack Miller III[/autotag] specifically despite a rough performance in the bowl game, but Florida’s transfer activity could help him decide whether he stays or not. The Gators have emerged as a serious contender for Coastal Carolina transfer Grayson McCall, and landing an elite transfer in the portal could give Pearsall the arm he needs to show off for NFL scouts as a premiere receiver in the SEC.
Gator Nation will be following Pearsall’s activity closely until he makes a decision. Keeping him for another year would be a huge boost to what could be a very inexperienced offense.
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