Florida coach believes Pearsall’s work ethic has been fueled by 2023 originally appeared in NBC Sports Bay Area
When wide receiver Ricky Pearsall considered entering the 2023 NFL Draft, he found he was projected as a prospect who could expect to hear his name called sometime after the third round.
“Strength of play was one of the things mentioned by some of the general managers and scouts we talked to,” Florida coach Billy Napier said on a call with Bay Area media.
“And I think he took it personally. He needed to show physicality and strength in the game. Ultimately, he built his offseason program that way and started working on it.”
Pearsall returned for his fifth season of college football and was noticeably stronger. He ended up being an easy choice for the 49ers with the 31st overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, according to general manager John Lynch.
“We know we do well when we have consensus within our group. And that comes from scouting, from coaching (research and development), and we really had that with Ricky,” Lynch said. early, and he kept getting stronger. He does many things well. He does many of the things we covet at this position well.
Pearsall has the ability to play all receiver positions, including the slot, and return punts. Inspired by feedback from NFL teams, he worked to increase his strength.
At the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Pearsall bench pressed 225 pounds 17 times. By comparison, LSU receiver Brian Thomas Jr. recorded 11 reps, while Georgia’s Ladd McConkey had 13. Thomas was selected 23rd overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars, while McConkey was selected 34th by the Los Angeles Chargers.
“His desire to do that bench press, to test well, was a little bit like, ‘OK, I’m going to respond to the criticism here,’” Napier said of Pearsall. “And I think he finally checked that box.”
Among wide receivers, Pearsall (6 feet, 189 pounds) had the fastest three-cone drill (6.64 seconds), third-best vertical jump (42 inches) and sixth-best broad jump (10-9) in the combine, along with the tenth-best 40-yard dash at 4.41 seconds.
“This guy’s skill level is really high,” Napier said. “Receiver is a skill position, so the throwing game, the top of the route, the ability to separate inside the route on the sticks, and then the hand selection, the ball skills. He’s a guy who is a product of his work.
“The football coach picks up on that right away, and that’s why all these NFL guys fell in love with the guy. These skills he has are the product of hard work and Ricky has been tireless.”
Pearsall ended his college career, which began in Arizona State alongside Brandon Aiyukwith 65 receptions for 965 yards and four touchdowns.
Now, he joins a group of 49ers receivers that already includes Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel and Jauan Jennings. Currently, Aiyuk and Jennings are only signed until next season.
Pearsall caught 100 passes a day, every day – off-season and in-season – on the JUGS machine, Napier said. He noted that it is Pearsall’s work ethic and attention to detail that separates him from many other players.
“He has the keys to the facility,” Napier said. “He’ll be in the quarterback’s pocket. He has great energy. He’s a guy you want to have around. When you put all of this together, you have a guy who adds great value to the organization.
“He’s working around the coaches’ schedule. He’s that kind of guy.”
